She was engaged to my Uncle Tom, who owned Elmhurst.

He was killed in a railway accident, and then it was found he'd left her all he had." "I see." "So, when my parents died, Aunt Jane took me for Uncle Tom's sake, and keeps me out of charity." "I see." Quite soberly, this time.
The boy slid off the mare and walked beside the little man, holding the bridle over his arm.

They did not speak again for some moments.
Finally the stranger asked: "Are Jane's sisters living--Julia and Violet ?" "I don't know.

But there are two of her nieces at Elmhurst." "Ha! Who are they ?" "Girls," with bitterness.

"I haven't seen them." The stranger whistled.
"Don't like girls, I take it ?" "No; I hate them." Another long pause.