Brave and Bold

Excerpt: ...won't you? Mrs. Rushton was pleased with this mark of attention, and after a slight demur, accepted. I do not intend to give an account of the next evening, and how Robert, in particular, enjoyed it. That can be imagined, as well as Halbert's chagrin when he heard of the attention his rival was receiving in a quarter where he himself so earnestly desired to stand well. I must pass on to a communication received by Mrs. Rushton, a communication of a very unexpected character, which had an important effect upon the fortunes of our hero. CHAPTER XIX. THE MESSAGE FROM THE SEA. It was not often that Mrs. Rushton received a letter. Neither she nor her husband had possessed many relatives, and such as either had were occupied with their own families, and little communication passed between them and Captain Rushton's family. Robert, therefore, seldom called at the post office. One day, however, as he stepped in by a neighbor's request to inquire for letters for the latter, the postmaster said, There's a letter for your mother, Robert. Is there? said our hero, surprised, When did it come? Yesterday. I was going to ask some one to carry it round to her, as you don't often call here. He handed the letter to Robert, who surveyed it with curiosity. It was postmarked Boston, and addressed in a bold business hand to Mrs. Captain Rushton, Millville. Who can be writing to mother from Boston? thought Robert. The size of the letter also excited his curiosity. There were two stamps upon it, and it appeared bulky. Robert hurried home, and rushed into the kitchen where his mother was at work. Here's a letter for you, mother, he said. A letter for me repeated Mrs. Rushton. From Boston. I don't know who would be likely to write me from there. Open it for me, Robert. He tore open the envelope. It contained two inclosures