If Mother Beckett had not had a slight
relapse from working too hard in the den, I might perhaps have been gone
before the letter came. Then it would have had to be forwarded. It's
better that I stayed. You will see why. But--oh, Padre, Padre!
THE LETTER
"MISS O'MALLEY,
"Once I met a lady whose name, as I understood it, was not
unlike yours now, given me by Doctor Paul Herter. I cannot
think that you and she are one. That lady, I'd swear, would be
incapable of--let me say, placing herself in a false position.
"Though you will not recognize my handwriting, I've said
enough for you to guess that James Wyndham Beckett is your
correspondent. I have had the address typed because, for my
parents' sake and to spare them distress, it seems that you and I
must reach some understanding before I venture to let them
know that I'm alive.
"If you are worthy to be called 'friend' by such a man as Paul
Herter, you will wish to atone for certain conduct, by carrying
out the request I make now. I must trust you to do so. But
first let me relieve my mind of any fear for yourself. I have not
contradicted the story you told Herter about our engagement.
What I shall say to my parents when I meet them, as I hope soon
to do, depends upon circumstances. Till you and I have had a
private conversation, you will oblige me by letting things remain
as they are. I have strong reasons for this wish.
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