explains his operation with my trunk.] But I want your OWN
opinion, for I know you make more careful distinction in character
than I do.

"Delighting myself with the idea that I deserve most of the credit
for the lots of reading you will have done by this time, and
hoping I shall soon have a line telling me how my darlings are, I
am as ever, "Your loving sister, "HELEN."

Seldom have I been so roused by a letter as I was by this one, and
never did I promise myself more genuine pleasure in writing a
reply. I determined that it should be a masterpiece of analysis
and of calm yet forcible expression of opinion.

Upon one step, at any rate, I was positively determined. Calling
the girl, I asked her where the key was that locked the door
between my room and the children.

"Please, sir, Toddie threw it down the well."

"Is there a locksmith in the village?"

"No, sir; the nearest one is at Paterson."

"Is there a screwdriver in the house?"

"Yes, sir."

"Bring it to me, and tell the coachman to get ready at once to
drive me to Paterson."