Young turned to the student.
"Shall I?"
An acquiescent nod gave him permission to lift the note and read:
"Dear Child:
My daughter is dead. Frederick will tell you. If you can forgive me for all I have done against you and your father, will you come here to us, and tell Mrs. Graves and myself of the past few weeks. Frederick has told me that he loves you, and of your sacrifice for Teola. I can only say at present that we thank you.
Yours in grief and gratitude,
Elias Graves.
P. S.—When your father comes back, I shall ask you to give him the title of the ground upon which your house stands."
Professor Young read it slowly, word by word; each breath taken by the four people could be plainly heard in the silence that followed.
Frederick broke it.