As we were saying--" It was because of still other stories which he never told or referred to, but which are written in the nation's history, that the students loved him; and it was for this that they gave him at every opportunity their lustiest cheer.
The professor found the stranger Sylvia had announced waiting for him at the cottage.

The young man did not mention his own name but drew from his pocket a sealed letter.
"Is this Professor Andrew Kelton?
I am to give you this letter and wait for an answer." Professor Kelton sat down at his desk and slit the envelope.

The letter covered only one page and he read slowly to the end.

He then re-read the whole carefully, and placed the sheet on his desk and laid a weight upon it before he faced the messenger.

He passed his hand across his forehead, stroked his beard, and said, speaking slowly,-- "You were to bring this letter and bear back an answer to the writer, but you were instructed not to discuss it in any way or disclose the name or the residence of the person who sent you.