"I hope he did not deceive her—his wife, that he told her all about himself."
"She died nine years ago, he writes, and now he is very ill himself and wishes to leave his little daughter in safe hands; her mother was an orphan, it seems, and the child has no relatives that he cares to leave her with; her mother was an English girl, he was married in England. He wishes me to come to him and take charge of the child."
"That is why you so suddenly chose California instead of Minnesota for your winter?"
"Yes."
"Have you written to him?"
"Yes."
"Is he very ill?"
"Yes; he may never receive my letter."
"I would like to write to him," said Miss Prudence.
"Would you like to see the letter?"