I have been three years in
his employ, and have been promoted by degrees, till I now receive
quite a good salary, until--and that is the news I have to write
you--I have felt justifed in getting married. My wedding is fixed
for next week, Thursday. I should be very glad if you could attend,
though I suppose you would consider it a long journey. But at any
rate I can assure you that I should be delighted to see you present
on the occasion, and so would Maria. If you can't come, write to me,
at any rate, in memory of old times. It is just possible that during
our bridal tour--we are to go to the White Mountains for a week--we
shall call on you. Let me know if it will be convenient for you to
receive us for a day.
"Your affectionate nephew,
"FERDINAND B. KENSINGTON."
Miss Deborah read this letter like one dazed. She had to read it a
second time before she could comprehend its purport.
"Ferdinand going to be married! He never said a word about it when
he was here. And he don't say a word about Californy. Then again he
says he hasn't seen me for years. Merciful man! I see it now--the
other fellow was an impostor!" exclaimed Miss Deborah, jumping, to
her feet in excitement. "What did he want to deceive an old woman
for?"
It flashed upon her at once. He came after money, and he had
succeeded only too well. He had carried away four hundred and fifty
dollars with him.
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