That was all he had to say at present, but would write again by the next packet.
"It is not very cheering news on the whole, is it ?" said Mrs.Verner, as Lionel folded the letters.
"No.

They had evidently not received the tidings of my uncle's death, or we should have heard that they were already coming back again." "I don't know that," replied Mrs.Verner.

"Fred worships money, and he would not suffer what was left by poor John to slip through his fingers.
He will stay till he has realised it.

I hope they will think to bring me back some memento of my lost boy! If it were only the handkerchief he used last, I should value it." The tears filled her eyes.

Lionel respected her grief, and remained silent.