Come and see." This news excited the curiosity of the old gentlemen, for not many fine people came to Dedham.

At any rate both of them rose, somewhat stiffly, and walked to the gate to look.

Yes, the child was right, for there, sure enough, about two hundred yards away, advanced an imposing cavalcade.

In front of it, mounted on a fine horse, sat a still finer lady, a very large and handsome lady, dressed in black silks, and wearing a black lace veil that hung from her head.

At her side was another lady, much muffled up as though she found the climate cold, and riding between them, on a pony, a gallant looking little boy.