tters were marked as exhibits by the
stenographic reporter who was taking the minutes of testimony, and
handed back to Ferris, who proceeded to read the following in a clear
voice to the jury:

"SIBLEY, N. Y., September 7, 1882.

"DEAR FRIEND,--You show signs of impatience, and
ask for a word to help you through this period of
uncertainty and unrest. What can I say more than I
have said? That I believe in you and in your
invention, and proudly wait for the hour when you
will come to claim me with the fruit of your
labors in your hand. I am impatient myself, but I
have more trust than you. Some one will see the
value of your work before long, or else your aunt
will interest herself in your success, and lend
you that practical assistance which you need to
start you in the way of fortune and fame. I cannot
think you are going to fail. I will not allow
myself to look forward to any thing less than
success for you and happiness for myself. For the
one involves the other, as you must know by this
time, or else believe me to be the most heartless
of coquettes.

"Wishing to see you, but of the opinion that
further meetings between us would be unwise till
our future looks more settled, I remain, hopefully
yours,

"IMOGENE DARE."

"The other letter I propose to read," continued Mr. Ferris, "is dated
September 23d, three days before the widow's death.

"DEAR CRAIK,--Since you insist upon seeing me, and
say that you have reasons of your own for not
visiting me openly, I will consent to meet you at
the trysting spot you mention, though all such
underhand dealings are as foreign to my nature as
I believe them to be to yours.

"Trusting that fortune will so favor us as to make
it unnecessary for us to meet in this way more
than once, I wait in anxiety for your coming.

"IMOGENE DARE."

These letters, unfolding relations that, up to this time, had been
barely surmised by the persons congregated before her, created a great
impression. To those especially who knew her and believed her to be
engaged to Mr