Joanne gave her cousin an appealing look.
“I’ve been trying to persuade your grandmother to come to Virginia with me,” said Mrs. Pattison, giving Joanne an understanding look. “My sister has a great big house, and would be perfectly delighted if I were to bring Aunt Alice with me, for she adores to have company. Of course it will not be as cool as at the seashore, but it is in the mountains and ever and ever so many persons go no farther in summer. Besides, it is within easy distance of the city, so Uncle Greg could run into town whenever he found it necessary. I think it would be an ideal arrangement. It is really lovely at Kate’s and the nights are cool.”
“And——” Joanne paused to give her cousin another appealing look.
“You wouldn’t have to bother about the housekeeping,” Mrs. Pattison went on, turning to Mrs. Selden. “Kate has an old mammy sort of cook who has been with her for years and years, and I will guarantee you will have good things to eat.”
“Oh, my dear,” murmured Mrs. Selden protestingly, “as if I would take that into consideration.”
“I would, then,” said Mrs. Pattison with a laugh; “it would make a tremendous difference to me. Come, Aunt Alice, be a sport, and say you will go, then you can bundle Jo off to Ned’s place and be as free as air.”
Joanne gave a little start and waited breathlessly for her grandmother’s answer.
“If I could be sure it would be the best thing for her,” returned Mrs. Selden meditatively.
“Of course it will be. You couldn’t have her at a better place, with Miss Dodge and Miss Chesney to look after her, not to mention that nice Mrs. Clover, and old Unc’ Aaron, who is a host in himself. Why, she couldn’t be any better off in a sanitarium.” Mrs. Pattison glanced at Joanne with mischief in her eyes as she ended her remark.
“Well,” said Mrs. Selden with a sigh, “it all sounds very attractive, and you are very good to want to help me out. I declare when I had Mrs. Abercrombie’s letter this morning I was completely upset. Of course I shall have to talk it over with Gregory, but I haven’t a doubt but he will consider it a very happy idea, all things taken into consideration.”