Nan received it mechanically. She still stood gazing at the box.
Ran was the first to arrive on the scene. "Ho!" he exclaimed. "I reckon I know what that is."
Nan clutched him excitedly. "What!" she whispered, hoarsely.
"A piano, of course."
"I don't believe it, I don't. It couldn't be."
"Of course, that is just what it is. Ours looked exactly that way when it came, and if you'll come here and look on this side of the box you will see the name of the manufacturer stamped on it."
Nan sank down on the floor and covered her face with her hands. "I won't believe it, I won't, I won't," she said. "Nobody would do such a thing for me. Nobody would."
"Here, let me get a hatchet and I'll soon show you," said Ran, going toward the kitchen.
"What is the matter, Nan? Have you hurt yourself?" asked Miss Sarah, coming out into the hall.
"I'm so excited it hurts," she replied, looking up with the unopened note clasped close to her breast.