"One thing I wish to say, that I do not wish you to be at any expense on my account. I will see that Gerald's expenses are paid, and that he has a satisfactory salary. I suppose I am accounted a miser by people in the village, but it is true that I do not care much for money, though I think it a duty to take care of what I have, and with it make what amends I can for my past transgressions. I will see that all the expenses which you have already incurred are paid. A new life is opening before me, thanks to your kind arrangements, and I hope that the close of my life may be more creditable than the years that are passed. "Respectfully and gratefully, "THOMAS NIXON." Gerald put the two letters in an envelope, and carried them to the post-office. This was in one corner of the grocery store, and Joe Loche, who seemed to be the busiest and most important man in Campville, was the postmaster. Looking ahead a few days, we will follow the letter to Portville. It gave great satisfaction to Mr. Nugent, as it confirmed his judgment in selecting so young a messenger. At times it had occurred to him that he was perhaps unwise in throwing so much responsibility on a boy of sixteen, yet it had not seriously weakened his faith in Gerald. The letter removed all doubts. Two hours after the letter was received he was told that a lady wished to see him. "Who is it?" he asked; but the servant was a new one, and could not answer. "Show her up!" he said, briefly. Directly Mrs. Lane entered his presence. "Take a seat, Mrs. Lane," said Mr. Nugent, courteously. "Is there anything I can do for you?" "I wish to know if you have heard from Gerald?" said Mrs. Lane, abruptly. "I have just received a letter from him." "May I see it?" "I must decline your request, since the letter is to a certain extent confidential." "You will, at any rate, tell me where the boy wrote from?" John Nugent hesitated. "As he is my stepson, I have a right to know." "I am glad that you show an interest in your stepson. He writes me from Montana." "Montana!" ejaculated Mrs. Lane. "Is not that a long distance away?" "Two thousand miles or more." "And he is only a boy!" "True, but he has the sense and discretion of a young man." "I am aware that you have an exalted opinion of Gerald," said Mrs. Lane, looking annoyed. "I consider my Abel quite his equal in the qualities you name." "I am not well acquainted with Abel," said Mr. Nugent, courteously. "If you are correct, I think you are to be congratulated." "How long will Gerald be away?" "I cannot tell at present. The gentleman to whom I sent him is much pleased with him, and will give him a good salary." "Will you give me his address?" "I do not feel at liberty to do so; but if you will leave any letter with me, I will forward it." "You seem to forget that I am his stepmother."