"My father desires me to say that the work at Rosendal is nearly finished, and that the land where the trees are to be planted is prepared for them. There is nothing that he sees neglected, or that he should bring to your notice.
"We have received many letters from Karl, and we are interested in them. He writes and describes your house, and repeats again and again your goodness to him. He describes your mother as very kind. We have no doubt but this is you. My father says if you do anything, you do it always in the kindest way. I do not doubt but that this is so, and we all thank you gratefully, and greet you kindly.
"Helga Lindal."
John Hardy translated this letter for his mother. She read it, and said—
"John, the letter is a letter to keep for all time! I feel so proud of you, my own boy, that such a letter should be addressed to you. I never read so beautiful a letter; so short, and yet so exquisite in its simplicity! You can trust your future to her, John."
"Thank you, my mother," replied her son. "I know I can trust her, if she will trust me."
"Why, John, you can offer her wealth, position, and influence," said Mrs. Hardy.
"All which would be nothing with her," said John "She would be as content to marry me on a bare subsistence as if I had a larger income than we have. Position is nothing to her, because she scarcely understands it; and as for influence, she has more influence for good in her father's parish than any person in it."
"A faint heart, John," suggested his mother.
"Yes, I know that; but my heart is not faint," said John. "I only wait to be sure of it, and your approval, mother."