Reynolds was tired with the voyage and the bustle and hurry of arriving; and this great city, this great America, so fine, so bright, so rich, made him sad and depressed. What likelihood was there, he thought, that this gay, luxurious American would think or care for his poor master over in Dartmoor Jail? But, as he looked up, he started with astonishment. Hung upon the wall was a water-color, beautifully done, of the great avenue leading up to Ripon House. He heard a rustle at the door, and, turning hastily around, he saw Miss Windsor. She was more beautiful than the other, was his first thought; and making a step forward, he bowed humbly, not daring to take the hand she frankly extended to him. "Mr. Reynolds!" she said, sweetly. "I am so glad to see you!" This was well--she remembered him, at all events; and, therefore, his master. "My lady," said he respectfully, "I have made bold to bring you a letter--from England." "From England?" she said, feigning surprise; but a quick blush mantled her cheek. "From the Tower of London," said Reynolds, gravely. "From the Tower?" she cried; "is--is your master in prison?" "My master is now in Dartmoor Prison, if it please you, my lady," said Reynolds. "He was sentenced for fifteen years--for trying to serve the King." He drew forth the letter, carefully wrapped in a double envelope. She took it from him quickly, and tore the covering open. This is what she read: "MY DEAR MISS WINDSOR: When I see you again--as I hope, if the fates so will, I may--you, I hope, will be married, and I shall be getting to be an old man. Fifteen years is much to take from the sunny part of a man's life; and I can hardly look for much but shadow after that. I have thought much of you, since I have been here, and of our last meeting. And I have but one thing to tell you--what, perhaps, it would have been better for me to have told you long since--and to ask for your forgiveness for myself. I should not like to think that you were thinking ill of me, all these years that I am to stay within these walls.