That night, as I recounted the interview to Kate, I said:
'I never did believe in these double-quick conversions; but Hallet is an altered man.'
'Then, indeed, can the leopard change his spots.'
As usual, her womanly intuitions were right; my worldly wisdom was wrong!
CHAPTER XV.
Not long after the events I have just related, the mail brought me the following letter from Preston:
My very dear Friend:—Circumstances, which I cannot explain by letter, render it imperatively necessary that I should provide another home for my daughter. Her education has been sadly neglected, and she should be where she can have experienced tutors, and good social surroundings. With her delicate organization, and sensitive and susceptible nature, she needs motherly care and affection, and I shrink from committing her to the hands of strangers. I should feel at rest about her only with you. You have been my steadfast friend through many years; you have stood by me in, sore trials—may I not then ask you to do me now a greater service than you have ever done, by receiving my little daughter into your family? I know this is an unusual, almost presumptuous request; but if you knew her as she is—gentle, loving, obedient—the light and joy of all about her, I am sure you, and your excellent lady, would love her, and be willing to make her the companion of your children. She is my only earthly comfort, and it will rend my heart to part with her, but—I must.
Write me at once. You are yourself a father—do not refuse me.
To this, on the next day, I sent the following reply: