"No; I will do so, as I know exactly where it is."
She went upstairs, and returned almost immediately with the letter in her hand. Bert produced his knife and cut open the envelope at one end. Then, drawing out the contents, he found them to be a half sheet of note paper and a bank bill.
"It's a twenty-dollar bill, mother!" he exclaimed joyfully.
"Shall I read the note?"
"Yes, read it, Bert."
Bert read as follows:
My Dear Niece: As I know your income is small, and you are liable, in case of sickness or loss of employment to need help, I put a twenty-dollar bill into this envelope, which I wish you to use freely. Do not fear that it will inconvenience me to give it. My health is good, and I hope to earn my living for years to come.
Your affectionate uncle,
Jacob Marlowe.
"Dear Uncle Jacob," said the widow gratefully, "how good and kind he is. With his small savings I don't feel that he can afford to be so generous."