_"
BOKER
"A letter for you, sir," said the clerk, as Surrey stopped at the desk
for his key. It was a bulky epistle, addressed in his aunt Russell's
hand, and he carried it off, wondering what she could have to say at
such length.
He was in no mood to read or to enjoy; but, nevertheless, tore open the
cover, finding within it a double letter. Taking the envelope of one
from the folds of the other, his eye fell first upon his mother's
writing; a short note and a puzzling one.
* * * * *
"My dear Willie:--
"I have tried to write you a letter, but cannot. I never wounded you if
I could avoid it, and I do not wish to begin now. Augusta and I had a
talk about you yesterday which crazed me with anxiety. She told me it
was my place to write you what ought to be said under these trying
circumstances, for we are sure you have remained in Philadelphia to see
Miss Ercildoune. At first I said I would, and then my heart failed me. I
was sure, too, that she could write, as she always does, much better
than I; so I begged her to say all that was necessary, and I would send
her this note to enclose with her letter. Read it, I entreat you, and
then hasten, I pray you, hasten to us at once.
"Take care of your arm, do not hurt yourself by any excitement; and,
with dear love from your father, which he would send did he know I was
writing, believe me always your devoted
"MOTHER.
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