It was in these words-- "MY DEAR MR.

FLORENCE:--I have been very ill, and to-day am able to sit up just long enough to write a line or two.

My uncle was in New York some days ago, but did not meet with you.

Will you not come up and see me?
"Ever Yours, CLARA WELDON." Florence was on board the next boat that left New York for Albany.
The letter of Clara was, of course, written before the receipt of his hasty epistle.

What troubled him now was the effect of this epistle on her mind.