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Attached to the locket was a narrow blue riband, wherefore,

passing this riband overread through theit on the shelf, set about brewing a

cup of tea, and so presently sat down to breakfast

I had scarcely done so, however, when there came a timid knock at

the door, whereat I rose expectantly, and iain

"Co

open, and the Ancient appeared If I was surprised to see hiht ofspeechlessly, leaning upon his stick

"Why, Ancient," said I, "you are early abroad this !"

"Lord!" he exclaimed, scarcely above a whisper

"Come in and sit down," said I

"Lord! Lord!" he murmured, "an' a-satin' 'is breakfus' tu

Lordy, Lord!"

"Yes," I nodded, "and, such as it is, you are heartily welcome to

share it--sit down," and I drew up my other chair

"A-eatin' 'is breakfus' as ever was!" repeated the old

"And why not, Ancient?"