We have neither seen or heard anything more of my father, and Father Marty says that you have managed about that very generously. You are always generous and good. I was so wretched all that day, that I thought I should have died. You will not think ill of your Kate, will you, because her father is bad?
Pray write when you get this, and above all things let us know when you will come to us.
Always, always, and always,
Your own KATE.
Two days after this, while the letter was still unanswered, there came another from Mrs. O'Hara which was, if possible, more grievous to him than that from her daughter.
"My Lord," the letter began. When he read this he turned from it with a sickening feeling of disgust. Of course the woman knew that he was now Earl of Scroope; but it would have been so desirable that there should have been no intercourse between her and him except under the name by which she had hitherto known him. And then in the appellation as she used it there seemed to be a determination to reproach him which must, he knew, lead to great misery.
MY LORD,
The messenger you sent to us brought us good news, and told us that you were gone home to your own affairs. That I suppose was right, but why have you not written to us before this? Why have you not told my poor girl that you will come to her, and atone to her for the injury you have done in the only manner now possible? I cannot and do not believe that you intend to evade the solemn promises that you have made her, and allow her to remain here a ruined outcast, and the mother of your child. I have thought you to be both a gentleman and a christian, and I still think so. Most assuredly you would be neither were you disposed to leave her desolate, while you are in prosperity.
I call upon you, my lord, in the most solemn manner, with all the energy and anxiety of a mother,--of one who will be of all women the most broken-hearted if you wrong her,--to write at once and let me know when you will be here to keep your promise. For the sake of your own offspring I implore you not to delay.
We feel under deep obligations to you for what you did in respect of that unhappy man. We have never for a moment doubted your generosity.
Yours, My Lord, With warmest affection, if you will admit it,