“If there is nothing private in it, Herbert.”
“There is nothing private from you, Mr. Melville.”
It may be explained that Deer Creek had already obtained such prominence that the post-office department had established an office there, and learning this, Herbert had requested his mother to address him at that place.
He drew the letter from his pocket and read it aloud.
We quote the essential portions.
“'I am very glad to hear that you have made the long journey in safety, and are now in health.'”
Herbert had not mentioned in his home letter the stage-coach adventure, for he knew that it would disturb his mother to think that he had been exposed to such a risk.
“It will do no good, you know,” he said to Mr. Melville, and his friend had agreed with him.
“'It is very satisfactory to me,' continued Herbert, reading from the letter, 'that you are under the charge of Mr. Melville, who seems to me an excellent, conscientious young man, from whom you can learn only good.'”
“Your mother thinks very kindly of me,” said Melville, evidently pleased.