Final answer:
A letter is likely what George Mueller was confident would arrive before the ship sailed, symbolizing the reliance on and the emotional significance of postal communication during periods when it was the primary means of long-distance correspondence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The passage in question seems to suggest that George Mueller was confident that a letter for his wife would arrive before the ship sailed. In the context provided, it is clear that there is an expectation related to communication and the timing of a ship's departure, which is a typical scenario in literary narratives involving travel and separation.
Typically, during the period when these narratives are set, letters were the primary form of long-distance communication between individuals. Letters would be eagerly awaited and could contain information essential to those traveling. The ship's sailing represents a cut-off point for receiving news, so the arrival of a letter before this moment would have carried significant emotional weight and urgency for the character awaiting it.
In the context of George Mueller's situation, the fact that he is confident suggests an underlying trust in the postal system or faith in the sender's ability to get the letter sent in time. The possible emotions tied to the letter, such as reassurance, love, or important news, imply the gravity of the situation for Mueller and his wife.