he is, char----tender as she is,
s----------pable of tramplin------one who trusted----heart------------.
-------------------- him to----he owes a----honor----ance.

"If------t believe ---- her to----cruel----face,---- what is----ble
serv----yours

"H------tchie"

"It reads like a complaint against one of Mr. Leavenworth's nieces," I
said, and started at my own words.

"What is it?" cried Mr. Gryce; "what is the matter?"

"Why," said I, "the fact is I have heard this very letter spoken of.
It _is_ a complaint against one of Mr. Leavenworth's nieces, and was
written by Mr. Clavering." And I told him of Mr. Harwell's communication
in regard to the matter.

"Ah! then Mr. Harwell has been talking, has he? I thought he had
forsworn gossip."

"Mr. Harwell and I have seen each other almost daily for the last two
weeks," I replied. "It would be strange if he had nothing to tell me."

"And he says he has read a letter written to Mr. Leavenworth by Mr.
Clavering?"

"Yes; but the particular words of which he has now forgotten."

"These few here may assist him in recalling the rest."

"I would rather not admit him to a knowledge of the existence of
this piece of evidence. I don't believe in letting any one into our
confidence whom we can conscientiously keep out."

"I see you don't," dryly responded Mr. Gryce.

Not appearing to notice the fling conveyed by these words, I took up the
letter once more, and began pointing out such half-formed words in it
as I thought we might venture to complete, as the Hor--, yo--,
see--utiful----, har----, for----, tramplin----, pable----, serv----.

This done, I next proposed the introduction of such others as seemed
necessary to the sense, as _Leavenworth_ after _Horatio; Sir_ after
_Dear; have_ with a possible _you_ before _a niece; thorn_ after _Us_ in
the phrase _rose has its; on after trampling; whom_ after _to;
debt after a; you_ after _If; me ask_ after _believe; beautiful_ after
_cruel._

Between the columns of words thus furnished I interposed a phrase or
two, here and there, the whole reading upon its completion as follows:

"------------ House." March 1st, 1876.

"_Mr. Horatio Leavenworth; Dear Sir:_

"(You) have a niece whom you one too who seems worthy the love and trust
of any other man ca so beautiful, so charming is she in face form
and conversation. But every rose has its thorn and (this) rose is no
exception lovely as she is, charming (as she is,) tender as s