He tore it open with hasty, trembling fingers.
"Dear Hal and Granny,—I'm like Joe, happy as a big sunflower! I can't tell you half nor quarter; so I shall not try, but save it all against the time I come home; for I am coming. Every thing is just splendid! It wasn't so nice at first, and one day I felt almost homesick; but it came out right. Oh, dear! I want to see you so, and tell you all the wonderful things that have happened to me,—just like a story-book. I think of you all,—Hal in his school, Granny busy about the house, Dot, the little darling, sweet as ever, and a whole roomful of flowers up-stairs, and Kit playing on his violin. Did you miss me much? I missed the dear old home, the sweet kisses, and tender voices; but some day I shall have them again. I never forget you a moment; but oh, oh, oh! That's all I can say. There are not words enough to express all the rest. Don't forget me; but love me just the same. A thousand kisses to all you children left in the old shoe, and another thousand to Granny.
"Your own dear
Charlie."
Hal's eyes were full of tears. To tell the truth, they had a good crying-time before any of them could speak a word.
"Dear, brave Charlie! She and Joe are alike. Granny, I don't know but they are the children to be proud of, after all."
"Where is she?" asked Granny, wiping her nose violently.
"Why, there isn't a bit of—address—to it; and the post-mark—begins with an N—but all the rest is blurred. She means to wait until she comes home, and tell us the whole story; and she will not give us an opportunity to write, for fear we will ask some questions. She means to keep up her running away."
They were all delighted, and had to read the letter over and over again.
"She must be in New York somewhere, and studying drawing. I've a great mind to write at a venture."
"And she will come home," crooned Granny softly.