Scotch."

"No, I am Lancashire--Liverpool-born," said she, smiling. "Don't you
hear it in my broad tongue?"

"I hear something different to other people, but I like it because it
is just you; is that Lancashire?"

"I dare say it is; for, though I am sure Lady Ludlow took pains
enough to correct me in my younger days, I never could get rightly
over the accent."

"Lady Ludlow," said I, "what had she to do with you? I heard you
talking about her to Lady Madeline Stuart the first evening I ever
came here; you and she seemed so fond of Lady Ludlow; who is she?"

"She is dead, my child; dead long ago."

I felt sorry I had spoken about her, Mrs. Dawson looked so grave and
sad. I suppose she perceived my sorrow, for she went on and said--
"My dear, I like to talk and to think of Lady Ludlow: she was my
true, kind friend and benefactress for many years; ask me what you
like about her, and do not think you give me pain."

I grew bold at this.

"Will you tell me all about her, then, please, Mrs. Dawson?"

"Nay," said she, smiling, "that would be too long a story. Here are
Signor Sperano, and Miss Duncan, and Mr. and Mrs. Preston are coming