What was it about, mother ?" "Well, my boy, it contains a pleasant piece of news.

Mr.Penfold, that is the name of the writer, was a friend of my family.

He knew me long ago when we were young people, and at one time it seemed likely that we should be married.

However, as you know, that never took place.
However, it seems, as he says by his letter, that he has never altogether forgotten me, and he intends to help you on in life if you turn out as he would like to see you.

He wishes you to go down to stay with him when your holidays begin." "That sounds nice," Ralph said; "and if he has got any boys about my own age it will be pleasant." "He has no children, Ralph.