"I owe it to you," the letter concluded, "that I am dying with my mind at ease about the future of my darling girl.

To your generous protection I commit the one treasure I have left to me on earth.

Through your long lifetime you have nobly used your high rank and your great fortune as a means of doing good.

I believe it will not be counted among the least of your virtues hereafter that you comforted the last hours of an old soldier by opening your heart and your home to his friendless child." So the letter ended.

Mercy laid it down with a heavy heart.