"Poor thing!" said the cooper, compassionately.

"It's a world of iniquity!" remarked Rachel, lifting up her eyes,
dismally. "There isn't any one you can trust. I didn't think a
brother of mine would have such a sin brought to his door."

"Good heavens, Rachel!" said the honest cooper, in amazement, "what
can you mean?"

"It isn't for me to explain," said Rachel, shaking her head; "only
it's strange that it should have been brought to _this_ house,
that's all I say."

"Perhaps it was meant for you, Aunt Rachel," said Jack, with
thoughtless fun.

"Me!" exclaimed Rachel, rising to her feet, while her face betrayed
the utmost horror at the suggestion. She fell back in her seat, and
made a violent effort to faint.

"What have I said?" asked Jack, a little frightened at the effect of
his words. "Aunt Rachel takes one up so."

"He didn't mean anything," said Mrs. Crump. "How could you suspect
such a thing? But here's a letter. It looks as if there was
something in it. Here, Timothy, it is directed to you."

Mr. Cooper opened the letter, and read as follows:--