Could you manage to come down to Mr.Wyley's house sometimes for a lesson ?' 'Please, ma'am,' said Martha, who was not at all afraid of speaking to any lady, though she dare not face the master, 'he wants to turn us out of our house; and he hates Stephen, because he won't give it up: so he wouldn't let you teach him anything.' 'Then you are Stephen Fern ?' said the lady; 'I heard my uncle talking about you.

Your father was buried at Longville church on Sunday.

I saw the funeral leave the churchyard, and I looked for some of you to come in to the evening service.

Now, Stephen, do you tell me all about your reason for not letting my uncle buy your cottage.' Then Stephen, with some hesitation, and a good deal of assistance from Martha, told the whole history of his grandmother's settlement upon the solitary hillside, only withholding the fact of his grandfather's transportation, because Tim was listening eagerly to every word.

Miss Anne listened, too, with deep attention; and once or twice the tears rose to her eyes as she heard of the weary labours and watchings of the desolate woman; and when Stephen repeated his resolution to work hard and constantly for the maintenance of his grandfather and little Nan-- 'Yes, I will be your friend,' she said, reaching out her hand to him when he had finished, 'even if my uncle is your enemy.