Yet, mother like, she wept and coaxed, but nothing would shake Jefferson in his determination and he begged his mother to make it very plain to his father that this was final and that a few days would see him on his way abroad.

He would try and come back to see his father that afternoon, but otherwise she was to say good-bye for him.

Mrs.Ryder promised tearfully to do what her son demanded and a few minutes later Jefferson was on his way to the front door.
As he went down stairs something white on the carpet attracted his attention.

He stooped and picked it up.

It was a letter.