"Yes."

"I heerd it was so. And what's become of the old family?"

"They are scattered. Mr. Landholm is gone West, with one of his sons; the others are in different places."

"And the girl is dead, ain't she?"

"Winnie? — yes."

Elizabeth knew that!

"The mother was gone first — to a better place. She had a fine lot o' children. Will was a pictur; — the farmer, he was a fine man too; — but there was one — the second boy — Winthrop, — he was the flower of the flock, to my thinkin'. I ha'n't seen him this great while. He's been here since I lost my sight, but I thought I could see him when I heerd him speak."

There was silence. Elizabeth did not feel inclined to break it.

"Do you know him, maybe?" the old woman said presently.
Winthrop had made himself pleasant there! —

"Yes."