That was another skeleton." "But a very small one," said John, laughing.
"It might seem small to _us_, but I'm sure it was one reason why Sir Timothy never went outside his own gates if he could help it," said Sarah, shrewdly.

"Luckily the cook died when he was born." "Why luckily, poor thing ?" said John, indignantly.
"She wouldn't have had much of a time, would she, do you think, with Sir Timothy's sisters ?" asked Sarah, with simplicity.

"They were in the schoolroom when their papa married her, or I am sure they would never have allowed it.

Their own mother was a most select person; and little thought when she gave the orders for dinner, and all that, who the old gentleman's _next_ wife would be," said Sarah, giggling.

"They always talk of her as the _Honourable Rachel_, since _Lady Crewys_, you know, might just as well mean the cook.