"Has any one heard from my old overseer. Winterose? His house stands high, and I suppose that it is safe."
A half a dozen voices answered in a breath:
"Law, yes, sir; his house is safe."
"He's had a stroke, sir."
"They thought he was a dying."
"But he is better now; and his wife, who is a good judge, thinks he'll get over it."
"It gratifies me to hear this, my friends. But although the old man's house is safe, he has met with a much greater misfortune than any of you have in the loss of all you possess," said Mr. Berners, very gravely.
"Law, sir, what?" inquired a dozen voices at once.
"He has lost his eldest daughter," answered Lyon Berners, sadly.
"Who? Miss Tabby? Law, sir, no he an't!"