Mary assented.
"There is but a week now, before your wedding," continued Mrs. Scudder; "and I think Cousin James, if he is reasonable, will see the propriety of your mind being kept as quiet as possible. I heard the news this afternoon in town," pursued Mrs. Scudder, "from Captain Staunton, and, by a curious coincidence, I received from him this letter from James, which came from New York by post. The brig that brought it must have been delayed out of the harbor."
"Oh, please, mother, give it to me!" said Mary, rising up with animation; "he mentioned having sent me one."
"Perhaps you had better wait till morning," said Mrs. Scudder; "you are tired and excited."
"Oh, mother, I think I shall be more composed when I know all that is in it," said Mary, still stretching out her hand.
"Well, my daughter, you are the best judge," said Mrs. Scudder; and she set down the candle on the table, and left Mary alone.
It was a very thick letter of many pages, dated in Canton, and ran as follows:—
CHAPTER XXXVI.
JACOB'S VOW.
"My Dearest Mary:—