"August 3d, 5 P. M.
"My Dear Colonel,--This is just to tell you that dear Ermine is very
well, and bearing the excitement and suspense wonderfully. We were all
dreadfully shocked to hear about poor dear Bessie; it is so sad her
having no mother nor any one but Rachel to take care of her, though
Rachel would do her best, I know. If she would like to have me, or if
you think I could do any good, pray telegraph for me the instant you get
this letter. I would have come this morning, only I thought, perhaps,
she had her aunt. That stupid telegram never said whether her baby was
alive, or what it was, I do hope it is all right. I should like to send
nurse up at once--I always thought she saved little Cyril when he was so
ill. Pray send for nurse or me, or anything I can send: anyway, I know
nobody can be such a comfort as you; but the only thing there is to wish
about you is, that you could be in two places at once.
"The two boys are gone in to the trial, they were very eager about it;
and dear Grace promises to take care of Conrade's throat. Poor boys!
they had got up a triumphal arch for your return, but I am afraid I am
telling secrets. Dear Ermine is so good and resolutely composed--quite
an example.--Yours affectionately, "F. G. Temple."
"Avoncester,
August 3d, 2 P. M.
"My Dear Colonel Keith,--I am just come out of court, and I am to wait
at the inn, for Aunt Ailie does not like for me to hear the trial, but
she says I may write to you to pass away the time. I am sorry I left my
letter out to go this morning, for Aunt Ailie says it is very undutiful
to say anything about the sheep's wool in Russia smelling of tobacco.
Conrade says it is all smoking, and that every one does it who has seen
the world. Papa never stops smoking but when he is with Aunt Ermine,
he sat on the box and did it all the way to Avoncester, and Mr. Beechum
said it was to compose his mind. After we got to Avoncester we had a
long, long time to wait, and first one was called, and then another, and
then they wanted me. I was not nearly so frightened as I was that time
when you sent for me, though there were so many more people; but it was
daylight, and the judge looked so kind, and the lawyer spoke so gently
to me, and Mr. Maddox did not look horrid like that first time. I think
he must be sorry now he has seen how much he has hurt papa. The lawyer
asked me all about the noises, and the lions, and the letters of light,
just as Mr. Grey did; and they showed me papa's old seal ring, and asked
if I knew it, and a seal that was made with the new one that he got when
the other was lost! and I knew them because I used to make impressions
on my arms with them when I was a little girl. There was another lawyer
that asked how old I was, and why I had not told before; and I thought
he was going to laugh at me for a silly little girl, but the judge
would not let him, and said I was a clear-headed little maiden; and Mr.
Beechum came with Aunt Ailie, and took me out of court, and told me to
choose anything in the whole world he should give me, so I chose the
little writing case I am writing with now, and 'The Heroes' besides, so
I shall be able to read till the others come back, and we go home.--Your
affectionate little friend, "Rose Ermine Williams."