In one of my chambers I found Mary, and said to her: "Didn't the carrier leave me a letter just now ?" The girl hesitated a moment, and then answered: "Oh, yes, ma'am.

I have it here in my pocket." And she drew forth the letter, crumbled, as was usually the case with all that passed through her hands.
I took it, with some gravity of manner; for I felt, naturally enough, indignant.

Mary flushed a little under the steady eye that I fixed upon her.
The letter, or note, was from my friend, Mrs.Jackman, and read as follows: "MY DEAR MRS.

SMITH .-- Do call in and see me some time to-day.

I have bought some of the cheapest laces, stockings, and cambric pocket handkerchiefs that ever were seen.