ship. I have decided, after much reflection, to accept your proposition, and let Judith join you in St. Petersburg. She is old enough to leave school now, but I have no doubt she needs a watchful eye over her. I wish you would do what you can for her, and write me your ideas on the subject. I shall feel at ease when she is twenty-one, and my responsibility will be at an end.
When you reply to this letter,—which I hope will be soon,—tell me what you think of the Tsar. I have a great sympathy for that oppressed Russian nation, and its efforts to free itself from the yoke which presses so heavily upon it. If you have witnessed any ceremony in which the Tsar took part, I should be glad to have you describe it to me.
With love from Mrs. Tremaine and myself for you, your sisters, and Thomas, I am
Your sincere friend,
John Tremaine.
December 14.
My dear Mr. Tremaine,—I can only admire your ingenious way of getting rid of an irksome responsibility. Because Judith falls in love with a young man, you send her to us to be cured. I shall not find fault with you, for your ward proves to be a delightful companion; not the foolish, love-sick girl my fancy would have painted her if your letter had arrived before she did; and I can commend the course you have taken, from the bottom of my
