and then he
proceeded to find out in a very sensible way, by reading the letter.

It was simply a friendly letter, that showed a refreshing sympathy for
his misfortunes, and expressed a belief that he would in time triumph
over all opposition.

The writer assured him of her belief in his innocence, and congratulated
him upon his perfect vindication at the trial. She spoke of Nellie's
sickness, and added that it would not be long before he would be more
highly appreciated by his friends than ever.

This brief letter touched Fred deeply and brought tears of joy to his
eyes. He felt so happy that he hesitated before opening the other
letter, fearing it might cast a cloud over the sunshine this little note
had brought him.

"And Nellie has been sick," he said to himself thoughtfully. "Perhaps
this letter may be from her. I will open it and see."

It ran like this:

MAPLETON.

MY DEAR FRIEND:--Your letter, so unexpected, was a surprise
to me, but I am very glad you sent it, otherwise we might not
have understood each other as well as I now hope we may. It
grieves me that you should feel so offended at my seeming
lack of friendship. Perhaps the time may come when you will
think differently. Had I received your letter two weeks ago,
or had you then told me what you say you would have explained
in confidence, you would probably have no cause now to
complain of me.

Your letter, in some respects, is a puzzle to me. It has
almost made me suspicious of a certain party, but I must wait
and see what time will tell, then perhaps we shall find it
agreeable to talk over the matter and be as friendly as ever.
You may feel sure I was very glad of your success at the
trial, and I hope, oh so much, that you will triumph over all
your misfortunes. I should have answered your letter more
promptly, but I have been, and still am, kept at home by a
bad cold which I took the night of the fire.

With best wishes, sincerely your friend, NELLIE DUTTON.

Instead of throwing a shadow over our young friend's horizon, this
letter swept away, for a time, the few remaining clouds, and made the
sunshine so bright and cheering that he was happy indeed. He had been
cast down so long by bitter misfortunes, that these expressions of
friendship, and especially those of Miss Nellie, seemed to liberate his
fettered spirits, and make them bound high