CHAPTER IX.

CORRESPONDENCE.

The “Letter-writing Society”—A letter from Oscar to 151 Marcus—An explanation—A secret trouble—A good purpose—Marcus to Oscar—The explanation examined—The blame not wholly removed—The secret—Self-government—The several steps—An illustration—How Mr. Ease is snubbed—The victory—Self-denial the law of life—Power of habit—A proposal from Otis—A criticism by Kate—The critic criticised—Advantage of not taking things upon trust—Kate convicted—An apology—Something about “the old maid”—One of her letters—The four dogs,