ever, now that you were a man and had become the greatest landowner in
the county. There was the explanation I had asked for, at my service.
And, on that, she left me.

"Did I believe her when I was meditating on our interview, alone in my
room? Or did I suspect you of having robbed me of the only consolation
that makes my life endurable?

"No such unworthy suspicion as this was admitted to my mind. With all my
heart, I believe her. And with perfect sincerity, I trust You.

"If your knowledge of me has failed to convince you that there is any
such thing as a better side to my nature, you will no doubt conclude that
this letter is a trick of mine to throw you off your guard; and you will
continue to distrust me as obstinately as ever. In that case, I will
merely remind you that my letter is private and confidential, and I will
not ask you to send me a reply.

"I remain, Sir, yours as you may receive me,

"THE DEAF LODGER



I wonder what another man, in my position, would have done when he had
read this letter? Would he have seen in it nothing to justify some
respect and some kindly feeling towards the writer? Could he have
reconciled it to his conscience to leave the afflicted man who had
trusted him without a word of reply?