April 27, 19--.
Oh, My Winnies:
How can I tell it? Father died to-day. Heart failure, brought on by
excitement over the fire and the coming of Judge Dalrymple. Think of it!
After all these years of hard work and grinding poverty and bitter
disappointment, to fall just at the moment when success and prosperity
were within reach. Oh, the terrible irony of Life!
Your broken-hearted
Katherine.