The next morning, as Fred was busy at his work, Carl came in from the
post office, whither he had gone for the mail for several of the
employees, and handed him two letters. On looking at them Fred was
surprised to find both postmarked "Mapleton."
He tore one of them open nervously, hoping it might be the long looked
for and much coveted answer to his own letter to Nellie Dutton. He
looked at the signature--"Grace Bernard."
"What can this mean?" The thought shot through his mind, and then he
proceeded to find out in a very sensible way, by reading the letter.
It was simply a friendly letter, that showed a refreshing sympathy for
his misfortunes, and expressed a belief that he would in time triumph
over all opposition.
The writer assured him of her belief in his innocence, and congratulated
him upon his perfect vindication at the trial. She spoke of Nellie's
sickness, and added that it would not be long before he would be more
highly appreciated by his friends than ever.
This brief letter touched Fred deeply and brought tears of joy to his
eyes. He felt so happy that he hesitated before opening the other
letter, fearing it might cast a cloud over the sunshine this little note
had brought him.
"And Nellie has been sick," he said to himself thoughtfully. "Perhaps
this letter may be from her. I will open it and see."
It ran like this: