» Gifts Work Wonders, Calliope!

[Daniel Riley]

June 15th

Miss Calliope Browne

I have worried greatly for your safety over the past few weeks while you have been on the Trail. Please do write as soon as you are home and let me know how you have been faring.

Since I have obviously not been able to visit during the time you have been away, I thought I might send a gift to make amends for my continued absence. I do hope you enjoy it, and I rather think you will.

Yours,

Daniel Riley

A full-scale harp will be delivered to the Browne residence the same day as the letter, which can wait until Calliope returns from the Trail, whenever that may be.

[Calliope Browne]

Dear Mr. Riley,

Thank you for your concern - I am home now. Finally, I might add. I am glad to have returned and am well in general, I suppose, though it is not an understatement to say the last month has been a struggle. Goodness, they ought to pay us more for our trouble; if I had known precisely how dangerous the trail would be and how much I was risking upon it, I might have more adamantly sought a way out.
But how has June been treating you? I do hope you and your daughters are perfectly well.

What I wanted to say, however, was in regards to the gift you left me. Words cannot express my delight at the sight of it! Truly, the harp is wonderful, and so generous of you. I don't know how to possibly thank you... I will begin practising so I can play for you if you would like to visit again, which, of couse, you are always welcome to do.

Oh, thank you!

Yours, Calliope