ddress you as her natural guardian,
allowing you to dispose of my communication as you think best.

"Being what some folks call an eccentric individual; feeling _lonely_
in the world, and believing, from what I know of the laws of Hereditary
Descent and your parents that you and your sister must possess the
noblest natures; and believing that no harm but good--_at least to
me_--can come from our acquaintance, I write to ask a correspondence.

"If you or 'Ellie' feel like sending a reply--well; if not, there shall
be no hard feelings, but it would be a satisfaction to me to know that
my letter had been received.

"Sincerely wishing you and all the world all happiness, I close.
Accept my warmest sympathy in your bereavement, and believe me to be
the friend of Humanity.

"VICTOR MELVIN.

"P.S. For reasons not necessary to mention, I write under an assumed
name. _Write_, PLEASE."

The next one was from Chicago, addressed to Miss ida greeley. The
writer said:

"I am about to pen you a few lines, hopeing you will not receive them
in a contemptious manner, but rather in a business than a formal way.

"Pleas to put the form of introduction and society regulations aside,
and consider your future happiness, pleasure and welfare only. I am
well aware that you are very much anoid and persecuted, thereby I mean
persistant attentions from undesirable persons; now my obgect at
present is to aid you in a manner that you can soon and forever shut
down on all disagreeable attentions.

"now I would suggest some beautiful locality in California or orogon
there to live a quiet retired life free from former acquaintances and
continnad anoyances. now if you think you could accept my services,
they are honorably tendered and would be kindly and heartily given.
Pleas to inform me at the earliest conveniance. Pleas to not
misinterpret my intentions.

"yours in sincerity

"pleas to

"Address -------- --------."

After listening to this extraordinary epistle, mamma said dryly:

"I think, my dear, that that is the strangest letter you have yet
received."

"It is nothing, auntie," was the reply, "to one I have in reserve, in
which the writer not only has a request to make, but actually proposes
making me a present; it is _not_, however, his hand, for a wonder!"

"DEERLODGE, MONTANA.

"To MISS IDA GREELY:

"Young lady I suppose you will be surprised at receiving a letter from
the frontier, my motive for writing is