Ah! that was a strange business.

I wonder whether the little darling _is_ dead." While she was preparing supper, with such cogitations passing through her mind, Rosa began to dash off a letter, as follows:-- "DEARLY BELOVED,--I am so happy that I cannot wait a minute without telling you about it.

I have done a naughty thing, but, as it is the first time I ever disobeyed you, I hope you will forgive me.

You told me never to go to the plantation without you.

But I waited and waited, and you didn't come; and we were so happy there, that lovely day, that I longed to go again.