THE IVJTCH OF SMOKY HOLLOW 169 
The clasp of it is said to be a charm against witches ; 
-and when you and your husband see your little ones 
.growing up round you, remember the Witch of 
Smoky Hollow.' 
Before Annie could compose her feelings enough 
to thank her, the lady was gone. 
That same day the vicar of the parish was sum- 
moned to go to Smoky Hollow. What passed there 
was never known, but from that day the poor received 
benefits twice a year regularly that they had not had 
before ; and to this day the beautiful marble cross is 
religiously cared for, and the poor folks round bless 
the memory of the Witch of Smoky Hollow. 
The lady was never seen again ; she departed 
as mysteriously as she came. 
One Sunday morning the congregation at the 
parish church noticed that their vicar was deeply 
moved, as he spoke of ' one who had gone before.' 
A letter had reached him with a foreign post-mark 
on its black-edged envelope. It came from the 'Lady 
.Superior of a convent in Italy, to tell him that 'Sister 
Mary ' was dead. 
