r how
we'd forgiven everything."

"Poor maid," said Thomas Dawson softly, "I reckon she had her
reasons; her letter tells us that, without putting it into so many
words. Read it again, mother, read it to the child--I can't."

Patience took up the letter, but it was some time before she could
control herself sufficiently to begin.

"My dearest Father and Mother,

"This is to tell you I am very ill, dying. The doctor says that
if I want to let any one know, I must do so at once. You are
the only ones that care, and I am writing to you to say
good-bye for ever. I have always hoped that some day I should
see you again, and my dear home, and my dearest, dearest child.
I am sure you will forgive me the wrong I did, and my cruel
behaviour. I couldn't die happy if I didn't feel sure of that;
but, dear father and mother, I know your loving hearts.
No words can tell how I've pined and longed for my little
Jessie, my own little baby, all these years. At first I
thought I should have died for want of her, but I knew she was
happy--that was my only comfort--and I could not have found
clothes nor food for her. I was going to write to you as soon
as we were settled, but Harry lost that situation almost at
once, and since then we have been on the tramp and never had a
home. It has been a cruel life, and I have often thanked God
on my knees that my darling was spared it. I know you love
her and have taken care of her. Don't let her forget me, dear
father and mother, and don't ever let her go from you. She is
yours--I give her to you, and I thank you with all my heart for
all you've done for her. Give her my love--oh, that I could
kiss her dear little face again! Good-bye, dear father and
mother, I can never forgive myself for all the misery I have
caused you; but I know you will forgive me, and believe I loved
you all the time. The woman here is kind to me, and she has
promised to keep this letter safe, and send it to you when I am
gone. Good-bye."
"Your loving daughter,"
"Lizzie."

The letter, which had been placed in an envelope and directed by
Lizzie's own hand, came in a larger envelope, and with it a slip of
paper on which was written in a good firm hand, "Your poor d