and like you without friends.  In return for your favor I can write you a description of this great Arkansas Valley and county beyond, of the rapid growth of the country etc. which may in part repay you for your trouble to please one lonely heart far from home.  Will not give you any description of Self or business unless I receive some answer but will say that I am of good family, in good business, and doing well.

“With respect

“------ ------.”

“Here is another letter that at all events is short,” said Ida, continuing to read: 

“MISS GREELEY: 

“For some years past your father very kindly gave me assistance during three months of the year; if you can continue this, it will be a great charity, as I am very much in need of it.

“Yours respectfully

“------ ------.”

“Have you not yet exhausted your mail?” enquired Gabrielle.

“No,” said Ida, “I have still two or three letters to read to Aunt Esther.  Here is one in which you will be interested, Gabrielle.  The writer calls you familiarly ‘Elite’:  I think he must have read that very accurate description of you that went the rounds of the papers last summer, in which you remember you are a shy and shrinking flaxen-haired fawn.  He would be quite surprised, I think, if he could see what a majestic ‘Elite’ you are.”

“ALLEGHANY CO.  PENN.

“To whom it may concern: 

“Know ye that I have had a desire to know more about the Greeley girls for several months, and that the desire for acquaintance became so strong after meeting your father and sister a few nights since (while sleeping) that I concluded to write.

“It seems to be Gabrielle’s acquaintance I particularly desire, but she being young and inexperienced I address you as her natural guardian, allowing you to dispose of my communication as you think best.

“Being what some folks call an eccentric individual; feeling lonely in the world, and believing, from what I know of the laws of Hereditary Descent and your parents that you and your sister must possess the noblest natures; and believing that no harm but good—­at least to me—­can come from our acquaintance, I write to ask a correspondence.

“If you or ‘Ellie’ feel like sending a reply—­well; if not, there shall be no hard feelings, but it would be a satisfaction to me to know that my letter had been received.

“Sincerely wishing you and all the world all happiness, I close.  Accept my warmest sympathy in your bereavement, and believe me to be the friend of Humanity.

“VICTOR MELVIN.

“P.S.  For reasons not necessary to mention, I write under an assumed name. Write, PLEASE.”

The next one was from Chicago, addressed to Miss ida greeley.  The writer said: 

“I am about to pen you a few lines, hopeing you will not receive them in a contemptious manner, but rather in a business than a formal way.