"What makes you look so glad?" asked his mother, gazing with fond admiration on the tall, handsome boy; for she still regarded him as a child, though he was nearly grown to man's estate.
"I have got something for Uncle Ralph," said he, looking cunningly in the hermit's face.
"What is it, William?" inquired he, with a solemn smile.
The youth drew a letter from his pocket and placed it in his uncle's hand.
"It is from Edgar," said he, eagerly breaking the seal.
All were silent while he was occupied in the perusal.
"Edgar has received the disclosures in regard to the pretended Col. Malcome with unaffected astonishment," remarked the hermit, as he refolded the letter and placed it in his bosom. "He appears delighted to learn that Willie Danforth, of whom he has heard me speak so regardfully, is his cousin, and sends much love to him and also to his new-found aunt."
Mrs. Danforth looked gratified at these words, as did also Willie.
"I am sure I want to see him very much," said the latter. "When is he coming home, uncle?"
"In summer, when the woods are green, he says," returned the hermit; "he is now taking sketches in the vicinity of Richmond, Va."