“I am, Sir, yours obediently,
“Justice.”
To this letter was appended an Editorial Note:
“We insert our correspondent’s letter, as he desires, without abbreviation. His name, which at his request we withhold, is one which is already becoming honourably known, and we see no reason to doubt his honesty of intention, and his thorough belief in what he writes. In the performance of our duties as Editor of this newspaper, we are always ready to present our readers with both sides of a question which has excited public interest. With these differing views fairly and impartially placed before them, they can form their own judgment. Upon the matter between ‘Justice,’ Mrs. Holdfast, and our Special Reporter, we offer no opinion, but we cannot refrain from drawing attention to one feature in the case which has apparently escaped the notice of ‘Justice.’ By Mr. Holdfast’s will his only son, Frederick, is disinherited, and the whole of the murdered man’s property is left to his unhappy widow. This is a sufficient answer to ‘Justice’s’ disbelief in the existence of any difference between Frederick Holdfast and his father. ‘Respect and love’ would never impel a father to leave his son a beggar.—Editor, ‘Evening Moon.’”
Becky’s eyes were bright with pleasure as she read the letter. “Bravo, Justice,” she thought; “you are worthy to be the friend of my Frederick. I will thank you one day for your noble defence.”
Here Fanny, arrayed in Becky’s nightdress, made her appearance from the little bedroom.
“Good night, Becky,” she said.
“Good night, my dear,” said Becky, kissing the child.
Fanny’s face was clean, and her hair was nicely brushed; she did not look now like a child of the gutter.
“I feel all new, Becky—and so ’appy!” she said, with quivering lips.