to the mill; and when he came, he only stared at him for a minute or two,
and ordered him out o' the room. He's like a child a'most, when he's in one
o' them dazes.'

I always knew when Uncle Silas was 'queerish,' by the injunctions of old
L'Amour, whistled and spluttered over the banister as we came up-stairs,
to mind how we made a noise passing master's door; and by the sound of
mysterious to-ings and fro-ings about his room.

I saw very little of him. He sometimes took a whim to have us breakfast
with him, which lasted perhaps for a week; and then the order of our living
would relapse into its old routine.

I must not forget two kind letters from Lady Knollys, who was detained
away, and delighted to hear that I enjoyed my quiet life; and promised to
apply, in person, to Uncle Silas, for permission to visit me.

She was to be for the Christmas at Elverston, and that was only six miles
away from Bartram-Haugh, so I had the excitement of a pleasant look
forward.

She also said that she would include poor Milly in her invitation; and a
vision of Captain Oakley rose before me, with his handsome gaze turned in
wonder on poor Milly, for whom I had begun to feel myself responsible.




CHAPTER XXXVI