elentless man speaking with so much pity, tenderness, and consideration
for this adventuress.

"But I will read the letter to you," he said, "and then I will tell you
what I mean to do."

"Very well, sir," she replied, with much misgiving.

He opened the letter and began to read as follows:

WIRT HOUSE, BALTIMORE, MD.,
May 15, 18--

MY MOST HONORED BENEFACTOR: I should not presume to
recall myself to your recollection had you not, in the large
bounty of your heart, once taken pity on the forlorn creature that
I am, and made me promise that if ever I should find myself
homeless, friendless, destitute, and desolate, I should write and
inform you.

My most revered friend, such is my sad, hopeless, pitiable
condition now.

My poor husband died of yellow fever in the West Indies about a
year ago, and his income and my support died with him.

For the last twelve months I have lived on the sale of my few
jewels, plate, and other personal property, which has gradually
melted away in the furnace of my misfortunes, while I have been
trying with all my might to obtain employment at my sometime trade
as teacher. But, oh, sir! the requirements of modern education
are far above my poor capabilities.

Now, at length, when my resources are well nigh exhausted--now,
when I can pay my board here only for a few weeks longer, and at
the end of that time must go forth--Heaven only knows where!--I
venture, in accordance with your own gracious permission, to make
this appeal to you! Not for pecuniary aid, which you will pardon
me if I say I could not receive from any one, but for such advice
and assistance as your wisdom and benevolence could afford me, in
finding me some honest way of earning my bread. Feeling assured
that your great goodness will not cast this poor note aside
unnoticed, I shall wait and hope to hear from you, and, in the
meanwhile, remain,

Your humble and obedient servant,
ROSE STILLWATER.

"That is what I call a very pathetic appeal, Cora. She is a widow, poor
child! Not such a widow as you are, Cora Rothsay, with wealth, friends,
and position! She is a widow, indeed! Homeless, friendless,
penniless--about to be cast forth into the streets! My dear, I got this
letter this morning. I answered it within an hour after its reception! I
invited her to come here as our guest, immediately, a