'Oh, I don't mind your bantering me, Josey. Do you remember sending me a letter from uncle Bryan addressed to mother, when we were away at Hertford?'
'Yes; and I wondered at the time what such a thick letter could be all about.'
'It contained a great secret, Josey, and a very wonderful story concerning Jessie.'
'Indeed!' said Josey, with a cautious look at me.
'I think there is no harm in telling you, especially as you'll not speak of it.'
'Oh, you may trust me, Master Chris.'
'It is a story concerning Jessie and her father.'
'Indeed! So Jessie has a father.'
'You would never guess who her father is, Josey.'
'Then I won't break my head over it; but I shall know if you tell me.'