Rugged Water by Joseph C. Lincoln

When Peleg Myrick came down to Setuckit two days after the storm he brought the station mail. In it was a letter addressed to Calvin. He recognized the writing on the envelope and waited until he was alone before opening it. The note was short--for a letter from an engaged young woman to her fiancé it was astonishingly so--but it was urgent. Practically every other word was underscored.

"Dearest [wrote Myra], I must see you VERY soon. I have some IMPORTANT things to say to you. Just as soon as you possibly can I want you to take a day off and come up here. I know you wonder why you have not heard from me before. No doubt you are beginning to think I have forgotten my precious boy altogether. THAT is NOT true, you may be sure. Far, far from it. I have been planning and planning for us both every minute since you left me, and that seems ages and ages ago, doesn't it? If I had not had your dear letters to comfort me I don't know what I should have done. Of course I understand how hard it is for you to get away, with the responsibility of the station ENTIRELY on your shoulders, but now you MUST come. I have heard what has been going on down there-- every one is talking about it--and I am as excited as can be. Now is our time. You understand what I mean, Calvin dear, don't you? And we must make the most of it. Come to me at once. I must see you. Write, or get word to me somehow, when you are coming. But make it very soon. In a very little while, if things go as they should--and as we must MAKE things--we can announce our engagement. Then I shall be the happiest girl in the world. And you will be happy, too; won't you, dear. ?"