She relied implicitly upon her nephew's assurance of its genuineness, just as she had relied upon his assertion of relationship.

But the time was soon coming when she was to be undeceived.
One day, a neighbor stopped his horse in front of her house, and jumping out of his wagon, walked up to the door and knocked.
"Good-morning, Mr.Simpson," said the old lady, answering the knock herself; "won't you come in ?" "Thank you, Miss Deborah, I can't stop this morning.

I was at the post-office just now, when I saw there was a letter for you, and thought I'd bring it along." "A letter for me!" said Aunt Deborah in some surprise, for her correspondence was very limited.

"Who's it from ?" "It is post-marked New York," said Mr.Simpson.
"I don't know no one in New York," said the old lady, fumbling in her pockets for her spectacles.
"Maybe it's one of your old beaux," said Mr.Simpson, humorously, a joke which brought a grim smile to the face of the old spinster.
"But I must be goin'.

If it's an offer of marriage, don't forget to invite me to the wedding." Aunt Deborah went into the house, and seating herself in her accustomed place, carefully opened the letter.