Is the news from Australia ?" he continued, the open letter in her hand helping him to the suggestion.

"A mail's due." Miss Deborah shook her head.

"It is from my father, Mr.Jan.The first thing I saw, upon going into the breakfast parlour, was this note for me, propped against the vase on the mantel-piece.

Mr.Jan"-- dropping her voice to confidence--"it says he is gone! That he is gone away for an indefinite period." "You don't mean to say he never told you of it before!" exclaimed Jan.
"I never heard a syllable from him," cried poor Deborah.

"He says you'll explain to us as much as is necessary.