"
On the family vote, Caroline rather unwillingly wrote a note,
explaining that she had only just discovered her kinship with Mr.
Barnes, and offering to come and see him; but not the smallest notice
was taken of her letter, rather to her relief, though she did not
like to hear Ellen augur ill for the future.
Another letter, to old Mr. Gould, begging him to call upon her next
market day, met with a far more ready response. When at his entrance
she greeted him with outstretched hands, and—-"I never thought you
were a connection;" the fine old weather-beaten face was strangely
moved, as the rugged hand took hers, and the voice was husky that
said—-
"I thought there was a likeness in the voice, but I never imagined
you were grandchild to poor Carey Barnes; I beg your pardon, to Mrs.
Otway."
"You knew her? You must let me see something of my little cousin!
I know nothing of my relations and my brother-in-law said he thought
you could tell me."
"I ought to be able, for the family lived at Woodbridge all my young
days," said the farmer.
The history was then given. The present lord of the manor had been
the son of a land surveyor. He was a stunted, sickly, slightly
deformed lad, noted chiefly for skill in cyphering, and therefore had
been placed in a clerkship.
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