"It will be a greater triumph for her and for us than the previous book!" he said--"She's a wonder!--and the most wonderful thing about her is that she has no conceit, and is unconscious of her own power!" Two or three days after the announcement of her authorship, came a letter from Robin Clifford. "DEAR INNOCENT," it ran, "I see that your name, or rather the name you have taken for yourself, is made famous as that of the author of a book which is creating a great sensation--and I venture to write a word of congratulation, hoping it may be acceptable to you from your playmate and friend of bygone days. I can hardly believe that the dear little 'Innocent' of Briar Farm has become such a celebrated and much-talked-of personage, for after all it is not yet two years since you left us. I have told Priscilla, and she sends her love and duty, and hopes God will allow her to see you once again before she dies. The work of the farm goes on as usual, and everything prospers--all is as Uncle Hugo would have wished--all except one thing which I know will never be! But you must not think I grumble at my fate. I might feel lonely if I had not plenty of work to do and people dependent on me--but under such circumstances I manage to live a life that is at least useful to others and I want for nothing. In the evenings when the darkness closes in, and we light the tall candles in the old pewter sconces, I often wish I could see a little fair head shining like a cameo against the dark oak panelling--a vision of grace and hope and comfort!--but as this cannot be, I read old books--even some of those belonging to your favourite French Knight Amadis!--and try to add to the little learning I gained at Oxford. I am sending for your book!--when it comes I shall read every word of it with an interest too deep to be expressed to you in my poor language. 'Cupid' is well--he flies to my hand, surprised, I think, to find it of so rough a texture as compared with the little rose-velvet palm to which he was accustomed. Will you ever come to Briar Farm again? God bless you! ROBIN."