Mr.Evringham took from his pocket a bunch of papers,and selecting a letter handed it to Mrs.Forbes,motioning her to the battered chair,which was still in evidence.He seated himself on the stool Zeke had vacated,while his housekeeper opened and read the following letter:--CHICAGO,April 28,19--.
DEAR FATHER,--The old story of the Prodigal Son has always plenty of originality for the Prodigal.I have returned,and thank Heaven sincerely I do not need to ask you for anything.My blessed girl Julia has supported herself and little Jewel these years while I've been feeding on husks.I don't see now how I was willing to be so revoltingly cruel and cowardly as to leave her in the lurch,but she has made friends and they have stood by her,and now I've been back since September,doing all in my power to make up what Ican to her and Jewel,as we call little Julia.They were treasures to return to such as I deserved to have lost forever;but Julia treats me as if I'd been white to her right all along.I've lately secured a position that I hope to keep.My wife has been dressmaking,and this is something in the dry goods line that Igot through her.The firm want us to go to Europe to do some buying.They will pay the expenses of both;but that leaves Jewel.
I've heard that Lawrence's wife and daughter are living with you.