answered his summons, he asked to see Miss Santon; "and, James," said
he, "you need mention my presence to no other member of the family, as
my business is strictly private, for Miss Santon's ear alone."

"Yes, sir," replied James, twisting his face info a most knowing wink,
as he smiled upon the yellow ore, "I've been there before."

Winnie soon made her appearance with no little astonishment pictured in
her countenance, that Mr. Delwood should have honored them with what she
termed "a sunrise call;" and that he should have asked for her in
particular, was a matter more mysterious. His manners, so unlike
himself, served to check at once her flow of spirits, which, in spite of
the weight of oppression which had marked the last year, would find
vent, if not in a witty remark, in the expression of her speaking
countenance was it visible; but she was not slow to discern that some
serious subject was upon his mind, and became serious also.

In a few words he informed her of what he had learned from Mrs. Santon
the day previous, but what was his astonishment to find her totally
ignorant of the circumstances, not hesitating to declare the whole a
base falsehood.

"I had not a doubt of the falsity of the report," said Delwood; "but
what can have given rise to such a statement? Surely, your mother would
not wish to injure my feelings, by repeating what may have originated,
without foundation, among the servants, and which she could not have
herself credited!"

Winnie saw the truth at once, knowing as she did the character of her,
whom, if she had ever looked upon as a mother, must from this moment