Mildred let out a deep sigh and leaned back in her borrowed chair. Though she was still attempting to look bored and uninterested, Meg could see fear behind her eyes. "Your father and John Ashton were good friends. They were college roommates. I suppose Charles would like to meet you because his father must speak of your father often." "This letter says, 'I do hope that you will write me back soon. If we are to have a future together, I should like to get to know you as soon as possible. Since you've not answered my first several letters, I am beginning to wonder if I've done something wrong.' What is he talking about, Mother?" "I honestly don't know," Mildred replied, straightening her back and looking down her nose at her daughter. "I suppose I could have your uncle look into it next t