The cooper's wife nervously broke open the letter, and read as
follows:--

"MRS. CRUMP;

"Eight years ago last New Year's night, a child was left on your
door-steps, with a note containing a request that you would care for
it kindly as your own. Money was sent, at the same time, to defray
the expenses of such care. The writer of this note is the mother of
the child Ida. There is no need to say, here, why I sent the child
away from me. You will easily understand that only the most
imperative circumstances would have led me to such a step. Those
circumstances still prevent me from reclaiming the child, and I am
content, still, to leave Ida in your charge. Yet, there is one thing
of which I am (sic) desirious. You will understand a mother's desire
to see, face to face, the child who belongs, of right, to her. With
this view, I have come to this neighborhood. I will not say where,
for concealment is necessary to me. I send this note by a
trustworthy attendant,--Mrs. Hardwick, my little Ida's nurse in her
infancy,--who will conduct Ida to me, and return her again to you.
Ida is not to know whom she is visiting. No doubt she believes you
her mother, and it is well. Tell her only, that it is a lady who
takes an interest in her, and that will satisfy her childish
curiosity. I make this request as

"IDA'S MOTHER."

Mrs. Crump read this letter with mingled feelings. Pity for the
writer; a vague curiosity in regard to the mysterious circumstances