And, in the meantime, will you forgive me for taking a liberty in the office, rather than intrude on your grief so soon after the death of my dear and honored master ?" The phrases were formal enough; but there was true feeling in the man's voice as he spoke.

My aunt gave him her hand.

He kissed it, with the tears in his eyes.
"Whatever you have done has been well done, I am sure," she said kindly.
"Who is the letter from ?" "From Mr.Keller, of Frankfort, madam." My aunt instantly took the letter from him, and read it attentively.

It has a very serious bearing on passages in the present narrative which are yet to come.

I accordingly present a copy of it in this place: "Private and confidential.
"Dear Mr.Hartrey,--It is impossible for me to address myself to Mrs.
Wagner, in the first days of the affliction that has fallen on her.