see we’ve quite made up our minds you will come, and Father wants you just as much as I do.  We are sending you mileage, and a check to get any little things you may need for the journey, because, of course, we wouldn’t want to put you to expense to come all this long way just to please two lonely old people.  It’s enough for you that you are willing to come, and we’re so glad about it that it almost seems as if the birds must be singing and the spring flowers going to bloom for you, even though it is only the middle of winter.

     Don’t wait to get any fixings.  Just come as you are.  We’re
     plain folks.

Father says be sure you get a good, comfortable berth in the sleeper, and have your trunk checked right through.  If you’ve got any other things besides your trunk, have them sent right along by freight.  It’s better to have your things here where you can look after them than stored away off there.

We’re so happy about your coming we can’t seem to wait till we hear what time you start, so please send a telegram as soon as you get this, saying when the doctor will let you come, and don’t disappoint us for anything.

                              Lovingly, your friend,
                                        RACHEL MARSHALL.

The letter to Courtland was more brief, but just as expressive: 

     MR. PAUL COURTLAND: 

     DEAR FRIEND.—­You’re a dear boy and I’m proud that
     my son had you for a friend.

(When Courtland read that letter he winced at that sentence and saw himself once more standing in the hall in front of Stephen Marshall’s room, holding the garments of those who persecuted him.)

I have written Bonnie Brentwood, telling her how much we want her, and I am going to town in the morning to get some things to fix up a pretty room for her.  I thank you for thinking I was a good mother.  Father and I are both quite proud about it.  We are very lonely and are glad to have a daughter for as long as she will stay.  But, anyway, if we hadn’t wanted her, we could not have said no when you asked for Christ’s sake.  Father says we are returning the check because we want to do this for Bonnie ourselves; then there won’t be anything to cover up.  Father says if you have begun this way you will find plenty of ways to spend that money for Christ and let us look after this one little girl.  We’ve sent her mileage and some money, and we’re going to try to make her happy.  And some day we would be very happy if you would come out and visit us.  I should like to know you for my dear Stephen’s sake.  You are a dear boy, and I want to know you better.  I am glad you have found our Christ.  Father thinks so too.  Thank you for thinking I would understand.

Lovingly,
MOTHER MARSHALL.