MY DEAR MR. COURTLAND: 

The very first line translated Courtland into another world from the one in which he had been living during the past three days.  Its perfumed breath struck harshly on his soul.

I am writing to report on the case of the poor girl whom you asked me to help.  I was very anxious to please you and did my best; but you remember that I warned you that persons of that sort were likely to be most difficult and ungrateful—­indeed, quite impossible sometimes.  And so, perhaps, you will be somewhat prepared for the disappointing report I have to give.

I went to the hospital this afternoon, putting off several engagements to do so.  I was quite surprised to find the girl in a private room, but of course your kindness made that possible for her, which makes her utter ingratitude all the more unpardonable.

I took with me several very pretty frocks of my own, quite good, some of them scarcely worn at all, for I know girls of that sort care more for clothes than anything else.  But I found her quite sullen and disagreeable.  She wouldn’t look at the things I had brought, although I suggested several ways in which I intended to help her and make it possible for her to have a few friends of her own class who would make her forget her troubles.  She just lay and stared at me and said, quite impertinently, that she didn’t remember ever having met me.  And when I mentioned your name she denied ever having seen you.  She even dared to ask me to leave the room.  And the nurse was most insulting.

But don’t worry about it in the least, for papa has promised to have the nurse removed at once from her position, and blacklisted, so that she can’t ever get another place in a decent hospital.

     I am afraid you will be disappointed in your protegee, and I
     am awfully sorry, for I would have enjoyed doing her good;
     but you see how impossible it was.

You are not to feel put out that I was treated that way, for I really enjoyed doing something for you; and you know it is good for one to suffer sometimes.  I’ll be delighted to go slumming for you any time again that you say, and please don’t mind asking me.  It’s much better for me to look after any girls that need help than it is for you, because girls of that sort are so likely to impose upon a young man’s sympathies.

My cousin has been telling me how you have been looking after some of the work of a student who is majoring in sociology, so I’m beginning to understand why you took this girl up.  I do hope you’ll let me help.  Suppose you run over this evening and we can talk it over.  I’m giving up two whole engagements to stay at home for you, so I hope you will properly appreciate it, and if anything hinders your coming, would you mind calling up and letting me know?

Hoping to see you this evening,
Your true friend and fellow-worker,
GILA DARE.