He sat thinking for a little while--then drew towards him
his inkstand and paper--hesitated--wrote a few lines--and paused again,
putting down the pen this time, and covering his eyes with his thin
trembling hand. After sitting thus for some minutes, he seemed to
despair of being able to collect his thoughts immediately, and to
resolve on giving his mind full time to compose itself. He shut up his
son's letter and his own unfinished reply together in the paper-case.
But there was some re-assuring promise for Zack's future prospects
contained even in the little that he had already written; and the
letter suggested forgiveness at the very outset; for it began with, "My
dear Zachary."
On delivering Zack's second note at Valentine's house, the messenger
was informed that Mr. Blyth was expected back on the next day, or on
the day after that, at the latest. Having a discretionary power to deal
as she pleased with her husband's correspondence, when he was away from
home, Mrs. Blyth opened the letter as soon as it was taken up to her.
Madonna was in the room at the time, with her bonnet and shawl on, just
ready to go out for her usual daily walk, with Patty the housemaid for
a companion, in Valentine's absence.
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