I put her in the coffin it was as if they had taken out a piece of my own
heart. She was so young to die, so sweet, so good, and besides so
marvelously beautiful! But I dried my tears as best I could, for I knew
there was much to be done; and I said to myself that I would honor the
memory of my mistress by doing always that which I knew she would have
approved of. And now, sir, take this little orphan as you know your good
wife would have done, as the daughter of her beloved sister...." She
stopped suddenly, slightly abashed, as she realized that perhaps she had
said a little too much for one in her station in life.

But more than her mere words, her voice vibrant with emotion had moved us
all to the depths of our souls.

"You are a valiant woman with a great heart," my father said, as he took
her hand. "I will write this very night and ask them to send the girl to us
as soon as possible."

Then turning to us he added, "You no doubt know by this time of whom we
have been speaking. Your cousin Paula has just lost her father. You will
remember, her mother died some years ago, and we are her nearest relatives.
Your uncle's friends have written me as to whether I will consent to
receive Paula in our home, and in a few days, more or less, she will be
among us."

We opened our mouths to ask a thousand questions, but father stopped us.
"No, no! That is enough for now! Later I will tell you the details;
besides, I must go out immediately. Go now to your various tasks and don't
be thinking too much about this coming of your cousin."