Then the two took leave, and the rector's lady drove the widow back to her hotel and left her there.
The next day Mrs. Grey had the gratification of hearing from the cards she had left at the different houses of her old acquaintances. Several ladies called on her and welcomed her to the city with much warmth.
And on the Saturday of that week she had a surprise.
The Rector of St. John's paid her a morning visit, bringing a letter with the Charlottesville postmark.
"It came this morning, my dear madam. It was inclosed in a letter to me from Mrs. Wheatfield, the esteemed widow of my late lamented friend, Bishop Wheatfield," said the rector, as he placed the letter in her hand.
She thanked the reverend gentleman, and held the letter unopened, wondering how Mrs. Wheatfield could have found out that she was in Richmond.
When the rector had taken his leave, she opened her letter and read:
"Charlottesville, July 15, 18—.
"My dearest Mary:—We have not heard a word from you since you left us.
"All your friends here suffer the deepest anxiety on your account, fearing that you may be ill among strangers.