The contents were these, written in a handwriting which he knew at first sight to be his daughter's:-- "DEAR FATHER, "I am very very sorry I ever did anything to make you angry with me.

This is your poor Susan's little girl, as is come to be a little peacemaker betwixt you and me.

I'm certain sure you'll never turn her away from your door.

I'm going down to Portsmouth for three days, because he listed five months ago, and his regiment's ordered out to India, and he sails on Friday.

So I thought I wouldn't take my little girl to be in the way, and I said I'll leave her with father till I come back, and her pretty little ways will soften him towards me, and we'll live all together in peace and plenty till his regiment comes home again, poor fellow.