"He has helped me to make up my mind about Major Crosby, who has written me several charming letters. I've written him very nice ones in return; as nice as I dared to write. And, oh, Claire! What do you think Stephen means to do? He means to settle something on me! I don't know exactly how much. But think of it! So that I can marry a poor man or no one at all, just as I like. I can be independent. I can't believe it yet. I think I shall marry Chip with it, if what he tries not to say in his letters is true.
"Mr. Colebridge is coming to London, about the same time that I am. Business, he says. I only hope he doesn't take the same train. I've been very definite, but his epidermis is thick. He says he is anxious to meet you. One of the nice things about him is that he admires Stephen.
"Good-by, Claire. I will see you soon. Thanks to you and to Stephen, I feel that life is just beginning for me."
"Devotedly,
"Judy."
Very satisfactory, thought Madame Claire. No one wants gratitude—no one, except, perhaps, a bully—but when one does get it, how it warms the heart!
