"Would it comfort you at all, for me to go and see your mother and explain why you could not return to her? I am very sorry for you, poor thing."
"Thank you, but—you could not explain, and the sight of a stranger would startle her. In one way you can help me; do you know Dr. Grantlin of New York?"
"Only by reputation; but I can find him."
"Will you deliver into his hand the note I am writing?"
"I certainly will."
"How soon?"
"Before nine o'clock to-night."
"Thank you—a thousand times."
After a while she folded a sheet containing these words:
"DEAR DR. GRANTLIN: