His glasses upon his nose, he scanned the papers
gravely. A sudden smile broke out upon his face, so that he passed
a hand across his face to force it back into its usual lines of
gravity.
"Gentlemen," said he, at length, solemnly, "this lady has been kind
to come to meet us, and you all are witness that her dealings have
been perfectly frank and sincere. I confess, however, I am
somewhat puzzled over this document which she has given me. I
presume we may well mark it 'Exhibit A.' If you do not mind, I
will read it to you."
Slowly, deliberately, employing all the tones of his deep and
sonorous voice, which before then had thrilled audiences of
thousands in every portion of his country, he read; his face
studiously turned away that he might not see the dismayed gestures
of the woman who had handed him these papers:
"MY DEAR MADAME:
"I take in hand my pen to tell you how life goes
with us in this locality. The business of Hector is
improved one half this year.
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