On reaching her home, she was overjoyed at finding a letter from her
parents, who, as set forth, had many years resided on the west coast
of Mexico, and had amassed a considerable fortune through a
connection with some mining operations. Lorenzo, on the first
discovery of gold in California, having joined a marauding party who
were traversing that country, was amongst the earliest who enriched
themselves from its bountiful yield. They gave up their wild
pursuits, and with energy and prudence stored-up their diggings, and
resolved to lead a new life. With the result of one year's digging,
Lorenzo repaired to San Francisco, entered upon a lucrative
business, increased his fortune, and soon became a leading man of
the place. The hope that at some day he would have means wherewith
to return home, wipe away the stain which blotted his character, and
relieve his parents from the troubles into which his follies had
brought them, seemed like a guiding star ever before him. And then
there was his generous-hearted uncle in the hands of Graspum,--that
man who never lost an opportunity of enriching himself while
distressing others. And now, by one of those singularities of
fortune which give persons long separated a key to each other's
wayfaring, Lorenzo had found out the residence of his parents on the
west coast of Mexico. Yes; he was with them, enjoying the comforts
of their domicile, at the date of their letter. How happy they would
be to see their Franconia, to have her with them, and once more
enjoy their social re-unions so pleasantly given on brother
Marston's plantation! Numberless were the letters they had written
her, but not an answer to one had been received.
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