That day she was seen little of.By the evening she had come to a resolution,and acted upon it.The packet was sealed up--with a tear of regret as she closed the case upon the pretty forms it contained--directed,and placed upon the writing-table in Knights room.And a letter was written to Stephen,stating that as yet she hardly understood her position with regard to the money sent;but declaring that she was ready to fulfil her promise to marry him.After this letter had been written she delayed posting it--although never ceasing to feel strenuously that the deed must be done.
Several days passed.There was another Indian letter for Elfride.
Coming unexpectedly,her father saw it,but made no remark--why,she could not tell.The news this time was absolutely overwhelming.Stephen,as he had wished,had been actually chosen as the most fitting to execute the iron-work commission he had alluded to as impending.This duty completed he would have three monthsleave.His letter continued that he should follow it in a week,and should take the opportunity to plainly ask her father to permit the engagement.Then came a page expressive of his delight and hers at the reunion;and finally,the information that he would write to the shipping agents,asking them to telegraph and tell her when the ship bringing him home should be in sight--knowing how acceptable such information would be.