"My name is Victoria Winters.  I am an orphan. I

wish to be a governess and have received a position

at the great Collins estate in Maine.  All the years in

the orphanage, I often wondered what it would feel

like to enter a grand mansion and perhaps, in time,

feel like part of a family.  I sometimes felt close

to my friends at the orphanage, but sooner or later, one

by one, they would go their own way.

I have learned to depend on myself, but Iong to know

that feeling of belonging, to someday find out who

my real parents are or were. If they are still alive.

Perhaps, I am foolish for pursuing this dream of mine, but

it gives me hope that I am not alone in this world. At the very

least, as I look out my train window as it steams northward

toward Massachusetts Bay Colony from the train station

here in Boston, I am feeling a mixture of excitement

and fear.  Excitement for the possibility of a new life and a chance

to teach.  Fear of the unknown frightens me but I must not let

it stop me from living. 

I spent the last of my money on this ticket to Collinsport, and I

consider it my last chance. Many say, that I will go crazy in the

vast wilderness of Massachusetts Bay Colony, most of it

untravelled and wild with danger, but that is the exciting part also.

An adventure. The unknown, a chance to find out who I am.

Perhaps this train takes me to my destiny.

I will not know unless I try.

I am Victoria Winters, and this is perhaps the most

exciting day of my life.

I watch the mist rising up from the Atlantic as the train rushes

up the coast. I am happy and sad, but I don't care. My life

will be as exciting as I make it.

I promise myself to be strong, brave and happy.

I will keep that promise, no matter what.

to be continued