"Your father is coming back, this day--this very hour;--and you--you--child--you, Philip--" Here sobs broke in upon her words, and left her speechless.
The letter that had produced this effect ran as follows: TO MRS MORTON, Fernside Cottage.
"DEAREST KATE,--My last letter prepared you for the news I have now to relate--my poor uncle is no more.

Though I had seen little of him, especially of late years, his death sensibly affected me; but I have at least the consolation of thinking that there is nothing now to prevent my doing justice to you.

I am the sole heir to his fortune--I have it in my power, dearest Kate, to offer you a tardy recompense for all you have put up with for my sake;--a sacred testimony to your long forbearance, your unreproachful love, your wrongs, and your devotion.

Our children, too--my noble Philip!--kiss them, Kate--kiss them for me a thousand times.
"I write in great haste--the burial is just over, and my letter will only serve to announce my return.

My darling Catherine, I shall be with you almost as soon as these lines meet your eyes--those clear eyes, that, for all the tears they have shed for my faults and follies, have never looked the less kind.