4
Martin’s mother answered, in a large, old-fashioned feminine
handwriting, by return of post.
Dear Judith,
Of course I remember you. I do not forget pretty and charming
people with sweet voices; and as a friend of Martin’s you are dear
to me, as all his friends are, because they were responsible for so
much of his happiness. It was kind of you to write. I miss my
darling boy every moment of the day. Never was a better son born.
But he would not have wished me to grieve, and so I try not to. He
is in God’s keeping and I feel him very near to me; please God
there will not be many years in store for me before he and I and
his dear father are reunited.
It is a great comfort to think how happy his life was. His nature
was all sun, and from his birth till the day he was taken from us I
verily believe not a cloud came over him. Should not that console
us?
Thank you again, dear Judith, and believe that Martin’s mother
remembers you affectionately.