"In the elegant and improving companionship which I now enjoy I
should feel quite happy but for one drawback. The climate of
Canada is not favorable to my kind patroness, and her medical
advisers recommend her to winter in London. In this event, I am
to have t he privilege of accompanying her. Is it necessary to
add that my first visit will be paid at your house? I feel
already united by sympathy to your mother and your sisters. There
is a sort of freemasonry among gentlewomen, is there not? With
best thanks and remembrances, and many delightful anticipations
of your next letter, believe me, dear Mr. Holmcroft,
"Truly yours,
GRACE ROSEBERRY."
III.
From MR. HORACE HOLMCROFT to MISS GRACE ROSEBERRY.
"MY DEAR MISS ROSEBERRY--Pray excuse my long silence. I have
waited for mail after mail, in the hope of being able to send you
some good news at last. It is useless to wait longer. My worst
forebodings have been realized: my painful duty compels me to
write a letter which will surprise and shock you.
"Let me describe events in their order as they happened. In this
way I may hope to gradually prepare your mind for what is to
come.
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