Winthrop got one at the post-office, with the Vantassel mark;
and coming home found his mother sitting before the fire with
another in her hand, the matter of which she was apparently
studying.

"A letter, mamma?"

"Yes -- from Will."

"How did it come?"

"It came by Mr. Underhill."

"What's the matter? what does he say?"

"Not much -- you can see for yourself."

"And here's one from papa."

Mrs. Landholm took it, and Winthrop took Rufus's.


"Little River, March 18, 1809.

"What does papa mean to do? Something must be done, for I
cannot stay here for ever; neither in truth do I wish it. If I
am ever to make anything, it is time now. I am twenty-one, and
in mind and body prepared, I think, for any line of enterprise
to which fortune may call me. Or if nothing can be done with