that you may in the
main be correct.

"I have a very high regard for all womankind. I have read so much
about your sympathetic nature, I thought perhaps our sympathies might
be mutual in some respects.

"I am always desirous of improving, and have heretofore looked to much
to persons no better qualified than myself to instruct or improve in
correspondence of any kind. Knowing that you are educated and refined
I apply to you as a perfect Gentleman for a small portion of your time
say one half-hour in four weeks as a time set aside to answer any
letter I might write, at same time corract misspell'd words etc. And
do it unreservedly. I am formerly from the east: come west less than
one year ago, have lost my wife, am thirty years old, and like you
without friends. In return for your favor I can write you a
description of this great Arkansas Valley and county beyond, of the
rapid growth of the country etc. which may in part repay you for your
trouble to please one lonely heart far from home. Will not give you
any description of Self or business unless I receive some answer but
will say that I am of good family, in good business, and doing well.

"With respect

"------ ------."

"Here is another letter that at all events is short," said Ida,
continuing to read:

"MISS GREELEY:

"For some years past your father very kindly gave me assistance during
three months of the year; if you can continue this, it will be a great
charity, as I am very much in need of it.

"Yours respectfully

"------ ------."

"Have you not yet exhausted your mail?" enquired Gabrielle.

"No," said Ida, "I have still two or three letters to read to Aunt
Esther. Here is one in which you will be interested, Gabrielle. The
writer calls you familiarly 'Elite': I think he must have read that
very accurate description of you that went the rounds of the papers
last summer, in which you remember you are a shy and shrinking
flaxen-haired fawn. He would be quite surprised, I think, if he could
see what a majestic 'Elite' you are."

"ALLEGHANY CO. PENN.

"_To whom it may concern_:

"Know ye that I have had a desire to know more about the Greeley girls
for several months, and that the desire for acquaintance became so
strong after meeting your father and sister a few nights since (while
sleeping) that I concluded to write.

"It seems to be Gabrielle's acquaintance I particularly desire, but she
being young and inexperienced I a