It was sent to
New York to the care of Mr. Reed, and forwarded, it not being
considered prudent to have it known at Groveton where he was.
"Dear Luke," the letter commenced, "it seems a long time
since I have seen you, and I can truly say that I miss you more
than I would any other boy in Groveton. I wonder where you
are--your mother does not seem to know. She only knows you
are traveling for Mr. Reed.
"There is not much news. Groveton, you know, is a quiet place.
I see Randolph every day. He seems very curious to know where
you are. I think he is disturbed because you have found
employment elsewhere. He professes to think that you are selling
newspapers in New York, or tending a peanut stand, adding kindly
that it is all you are fit for. I have heard a rumor that he was
often to be seen playing billiards at Tony Denton's, but I don't
know whether it is true. I sometimes think it would do him good
to become a poor boy and have to work for a living.
"We are going to Orchard Beach next summer, as usual, and
in the fall mamma may take me to Europe to stay a year to learn
the French language. Won't that be fine? I wish you could go
with me, but I am afraid you can't sell papers or peanuts enough
--which is it?--to pay expenses.
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