It would be difficult to represent clearly Jenny’s state of feeling during this period.  A simple minded, innocent, true-hearted girl, in whose bosom scarce beat a single selfish impulse, she found herself suddenly approached by one in station far above her, in a way that left her heart unguarded.  He had stooped to her, and leaned upon her, and she, obeying an impulse of her nature, had stood firmer to support him as he leaned.  Their tender, confiding, and delightful intercourse, continued only for a brief season, and was then rudely broken in upon; forced separation was followed by painful consequences to the young man.  When Jenny thought of how Mark had been driven away on her account, she felt that in order to save him from the evils that must be impending over him, she would devote even her life in his service.  But, what could she do?  This desire to serve him had also another origin.  A deep feeling of love had been awakened; and, though she felt it to be hopeless, she kept the flame brightly burning.

Intense feelings produced more active thoughts, and the mind of Jenny took a higher development.  A constant association with Mr. Lofton, who required her to read to him sometimes for hours each day, filled her thoughts with higher ideas than any she had known, and gradually widened the sphere of her intelligence.  Thus she grew more and more companionable to the old man, who, in turn, perceiving that her mind was expanding, took pains to give it a right direction, so far as external knowledge were concerned.

Soon after Mark went to sea, Jenny took pains to inform herself accurately as to the position and duties of a common sailor on board of a United States’ vessel.  She was more troubled about Mark after this, for she understood how unfitted he was for the hard service he entered upon so blindly.

One day, it was over a year from the time that Mark left Fairview, Mr. Lofton sent for Jenny, and, on her coming into his room, handed her a sealed letter, but without making any remark.  On it was superscribed her name; and it bore, besides, the word “Ship” in red printed letters, “Valparaiso,” also, was written upon it.  Jenny looked at the letter wonderingly, for a moment or two, and then, with her heart throbbing wildly, left the room.  On breaking the seal, she found the letter to be from Mark.  It was as follows: 

“U.  S. Ship——­, Valparaiso, September 4, 18—­,

“My gentle friend.—­A year has passed since our brief meeting and unhappy parting.  I do not think you have forgotten me in that time; you may be sure I have not forgotten you.  The memory of one about whom we conversed, alone would keep your image green in my thoughts.  Of the rash step I took you have no doubt heard.  In anger at unjust treatment both from my father and grandfather, I was weak enough to enter the United States’ service as a sailor.  Having committed this folly, and being unwilling to humble myself,