Ed was sent for a moment later, and found Mr.
Vanderbilt alone, with the letter--open--in his hand.
"Pray sit down, Mr .-- er--" "Jackson." "Ah--sit down, Mr.Jackson.

By the opening sentences it seems to be a letter from an old friend.

Allow me--I will run my eye through it.

He says he says--why, who is it ?" He turned the sheet and found the signature.

"Alfred Fairchild--hm--Fairchild--I don't recall the name.
But that is nothing--a thousand names have gone from me.