He had been determined to let them understand that he would not hold himself bound to remain long at Scroope Manor.
Then he wrote a letter to his own Kate.

It was the first time he had addressed her in this fashion, and though he was somewhat of a gallant gay Lothario, the writing of the letter was an excitement to him.

If so, what must the receipt of it have been to Kate O'Hara! He had promised her that he would write to her, and from the moment that he was gone she was anxious to send in to the post-office at Ennistimon for the treasure which the mail car might bring to her.

When she did get it, it was indeed a treasure.

To a girl who really loves, the first love letter is a thing as holy as the recollection of the first kiss.