She dropped into a chair near a window, and picked up a fan.
"You never could guess my errand," she began, hesitatingly.
"I know it is something nice," said Jack, "from the way your eyes shine."
"I think it is fine," she answered; "but I don't know how it will impress Bethany."
She plunged into the subject abruptly.
"The Courtney sisters want to come here to live."
"The Courtney sisters!" echoed Bethany, blankly. "To live! In our house? O Cousin Ray! I have realized for some time that we might have to give up the dear old place; but I did hope that it need not be to strangers."
"Why, they are not strangers, Bethany. They went to school with your mother for years and years. You have heard of Harry and Carrie Morse, I am sure."
"O yes," answered Bethany, quickly. "They were the twins who used to do such outlandish things at Forest Seminary. I remember, mamma used to speak of them very often. But I thought you said it was the Courtney sisters who wanted the house."