I reached the Grange before sunset, and knocked for admittance; but the family had retreated into the back premises, I judged, by one thin, blue wreath, curling from the kitchen chimney, and they did not hear. I rode into the court. Under the porch, a girl of nine or ten sat knitting, and an old woman reclined on the housesteps, smoking a meditative pipe.
"Is Mrs. Dean within?" I demanded of the dame.
"Mistress Dean? Nay!" she answered, "she doesn't bide here: shoo's up at th' Heights."
"Are you the housekeeper, then?" I continued.

I reached the Grange before sunset, and knocked for admittance; but the family had retreated into the back, I judged by one thin, blue wreath curling from the kitchen chimney, and they did not hear. I rode into the courtyard. Under the porch sat a girl of nine or ten, and an old woman, smoking a pipe.
'Is Mrs. Dean within?' I demanded.
'Mistress Dean? Nay!' she answered, 'she doesn't live here: she's up at th' Heights.'
'Are you the housekeeper, then?' I continued. 