It was addressed in her father's handwriting.
"Oh!" she cried.

"It's from father! And the postmark is Havre.

What does it mean ?" She was so excited that she almost forgot to express her thanks.
Her heart leaped up in her throat.

Could they have come over from America--could they?
Why was it written from Havre?
Could they be near her?
She walked along the road choked with ecstatic, laughing sobs.

Her hand shook so that she could scarcely tear open the envelope; she tore a corner of the letter, and when the sheet was spread open her eyes were full of wild, delighted tears, which made it impossible for her to see for the moment.