shing food.

Now she hasn't a friend in the city. I know from the few
little things she has told me that there isn't any one in
the world she will feel free to turn to. She isn't the kind
of girl who will accept charity. She's refined, reserved,
independent, and all that, you know. There's another thing,
too--she prays to your Stephen's Christ--that's why I dared
write to you about it.

You see, I'm an entire stranger to her. I just happened
along when the kid was killed and had to stick around and
help; that's how I came to know. Of course she hasn't any
idea of all this, and I haven't any real business with it,
but I can't see leaving her in a hole this way; and there's
no one else to do anything.

You wonder why I didn't find a mother nearer by, but I
haven't any living of my own, except a stepmother, who
wouldn't understand, and all the other mothers I know
wouldn't qualify for the job any better. I've been looking
at your picture and I think you would.

What I thought of is this (if it doesn't strike you that way
maybe you can think of some other way): I'm pretty well
fixed for money, and I've got a lump that I've been
intending to use for a new automobile; but my old car is
plenty good enough for another year, and I'd like to pay
that girl's board awhile till she gets rested and strong and
sort of cheered up. I thought perhaps you'd see your way
clear to write a letter and say you'd like her to visit
you--you're lonesome or Something. I don't know how a real
mother would fix that up, but I guess you do.

Of course the girl mustn't know I have a thing to do with it
except that I told you about her. She'd be up in the air in
a minute. She wouldn't stand for me doing anything for her.
She's that kind.

I'm sending a check of two hundred dollars right now because
I thought, in case you see a way to take up with my
suggestion, you might send her money enough for the journey.
I don't believe she's got any. We can fix it up about the
board any way you say. Don't hesitate to tell me just how
much it is worth. I don't need the money for anything. But
whatever's done has got to be done mighty quick or she'll go
back to work again, and she won't last three days if she
does. She looks as if a breath would blow her