say 'twas a foul blow, and Master Frank is my lord now, and Master
Harry'--why, what have you done since you've went out this morning? Why,
you have a-grow'd taller and changed your hair--though I know--I know
you."

One of the young women had tripped out by this time from the porter's
lodge, and dropped the stranger a pretty curtsey. "Grandfather sometimes
does not recollect very well," she said, pointing to her head. "Your
honour seems to have heard of Lockwood?"

"And you, have you never heard of Colonel Francis Esmond?"

"He was Captain and Major in Webb's Foot, and I was with him in two
campaigns, sure enough," cries Lockwood. "Wasn't I, Ponto?"

"The Colonel as married Viscountess Rachel, my late lord's mother? and
went to live amongst the Indians? We have heard of him. Sure we have his
picture in our gallery, and hisself painted it."

"Went to live in Virginia, and died there seven years ago, and I am his
grandson."

"Lord, your honour! Why, your honour's skin's as white as mine," cries
Molly. "Grandfather, do you hear this? His honour is Colonel Esmond's
grandson that used to send you tobacco, and his honour have come all the
way from Virginia."

"To see you, Lockwood," says the young man, "and the family. I only set
foot on English ground yesterday, and my first visit is for home. I may
see the house, though the family are from home?" Molly dared to say Mrs.