Thus she grew more and more companionable to the old man, who, in turn, perceiving that her mind was expanding, took pains to give it a right direction, so far as external knowledge were concerned.
Soon after Mark went to sea, Jenny took pains to inform herself accurately as to the position and duties of a common sailor on board of a United States' vessel.

She was more troubled about Mark after this, for she understood how unfitted he was for the hard service he entered upon so blindly.
One day, it was over a year from the time that Mark left Fairview, Mr.Lofton sent for Jenny, and, on her coming into his room, handed her a sealed letter, but without making any remark.

On it was superscribed her name; and it bore, besides, the word "Ship" in red printed letters, "Valparaiso," also, was written upon it.

Jenny looked at the letter wonderingly, for a moment or two, and then, with her heart throbbing wildly, left the room.

On breaking the seal, she found the letter to be from Mark.