It was on a bright evening in the end of May that the clatter of the Black Horseman's horse-hoofs, now every day looked for by Primrose and her guardian with mingled feelings of interest and apprehension, was once more heard along the narrow road by the riverside, and the old man, clasping his foster-child to his heart in a long embrace, put her from him again with stern resolution, and went forth to greet his guest, and receive the long-dreaded summons from her mysterious unknown mother. He took the letter indoors, while the Black Horseman, with thoughtful consideration for his feelings, refused his invitation to enter the house, and promised to return in an hour's time, to receive his answer. Primrose crept to his feet, and with her head on his knee they read the letter together in silence. It ran as follows:--"To Jack the boatman, a most loving, though erring kinswoman sends greeting, offering to him her most hearty thanks for his loving and tender care bestowed upon her child for the past nineteen years, and promising him faithfully that she will never make attempt by word or deed to sever the deep bond of affection between them, but will ever promote their continued intercourse so far as in her lies, now that the hour has at length come when she must claim her child for her own, and remove her from the happy home of her childhood. Her mother bids her make ready to accompany the Black Horseman to town in one week's time from this present date, where she shall be received into the most fond and tender care a mother can offer. And should all go well, she shall accompany her mother later in the year for a short season to the farm Glyn Helen, below the Craig Aran mountain, whither her faithful guardian shall likewise be invited to repair, and where much that cannot well be put into writing shall be made clear to him. An unworthy mother can add no more to what she fears can be but a sorry and unwelcome summons, save an assurance of the great love and impatience with which she awaits her beloved daughter, and of the undying gratitude she bears to her honoured guardian."