The return address was Mr. Wilkie’s law office, and inside there was a typewritten note with his signature saying that the enclosed was from Julia, but that this was a strictly private communication. He had been under instructions not to give it to me when the will was read, and many others were present. The letter inside was dated November of last year, two months before she died.

Roxanne, dearest,

If you are reading this, dear girl, then I am gone. Do not mourn. I have missed you every day since you left, but it is altogether right that you should have an American education, and find your own life in your own country, that you find work to give you satisfaction, and a man who will reward and return your love.

Though you suffered in our disintegrating marriage, Leon and I have always loved you. Even if for a while we did not love each other. Our love for you will never change. Life is short and love is long. Love is demanding and rewarding and aggravating, sometimes angering, but it is never finished or over, or done with, not even in death.

You and Leon are the dearest people in the world to me, and I do not want either of you to live with rancor in your hearts on my account. I am writing this so that you shall know, without any doubt, Roxanne, that I have forgiven Leon. You may wonder why I do not write to him. The wounds that Leon and I inflicted on each other are still too fresh, too raw for me to tell him. But you can tell him. And when you think the time is right, please do tell him I have forgiven him. You must also forgive him. Look after him, Roxanne.

I have and will always love you both. You must love each other now that I am gone. Do not cling to resentment on my behalf. Be good to him, and to your sweet and dearest self. You will be the shining star of any firmament you choose, dearest girl. You have been the joy of my life.

Love always,

Julia