“Oh, papa, what news — what news? Have you heard from my uncle?”

“Yes I have had a letter from him by express.”

“Well, and what news does it bring — good or bad?”

“What is there of good to be expected?” said he, taking the letter from his pocket. “But perhaps you would like to read it.”

Elizabeth impatiently caught it from his hand. Jane now came up.

“Read it aloud,” said their father, “for I hardly know myself what it is about.”

“Gracechurch Street, Monday, August 2.

“MY DEAR BROTHER,