says it is a paralytic affection, and that overwork has developed the former disease from the old injury to the spine, which seemed to have passed off, and there is intermittent fever about him too, a not uncommon thing in these low-lying lake districts.  We have moved him to this Grand National Hotel, a big, half-inhabited place, but better than the MacMahons’ house, though the good woman cried over him and Lydia at their farewells, and said she never should see such a young gentleman and lady again with hearts so like ould Ireland.  She would hardly take the money that Fernan offered her; she said they had brought a blessing on her house with their tender, loving ways.

“Fernan is gone to Milwaukee to get further advice and more comforts for Gerald, and we mean, as soon as he can be moved, to take him home with us, since the air of the Rockies will revive him if anything will.  This place is fearfully hot and oppressive; the bay seems to shut out air from Lake Erie, and I cannot bear to think what that poor boy must have gone through in that close little den, with the printing-press humming and stamping away close to him; but he says it is his native element, and that when he is better he must go to Fiddler’s Ranch.  He sends his love, and fears that you have missed his letters, but he could hardly write them, and thought Lydia might alarm you.  He is a very dear boy, and I do hope we make him comfortable; he is so thankful for the little we can do for him, and so patient.  He tells me to give special love to Francie, and say he is glad that Mona’s game of chess was played out with a good substitute for Ferdinand.  These are his words, which no doubt she will understand.  We think of moving next week, but much depends on the doctor’s verdict.  My love too to the dear Francie; she will be a great lady, quite beyond our sphere.  Perhaps she may be able to give Emily some amusements, though I fear they will only make her more discontented with our humdrum ways.  I never thought hospital work would suit her.  Gerald says there is nothing like trying one’s theories, and that having to exaggerate his own has made him sick of a good deal of them, though not of all.  Poor dear boy, I hope he will live to show the benefits he says he has derived from this sad time.  It shall not be for want of anything we can do.  He is as near our hearts as ever his dear father was, and Lydia is a dear little girl.

“Your ever affectionate cousin,
“MARY ALDA TRAVIS UNDERWOOD.”

It was a great shock, though mitigated by hearing that Gerald was in such hands as those of his first friend, and kind Marilda; but there was great surprise at no notice being taken of the tidings that secured Gerald’s position.  John Harewood had telegraphed them, but it only now fully broke on him that he ought to have sent them to Jerry Wood instead of Gerald Underwood, so that Italian telegrams were not to blame.