"Not for me, is it?" he asked, while a flush of pleasure came over his face. "I never get letters."
"Yes it is, Tom," said Nellie, advancing and putting it in his hand.
Netta and Isabel, who were fast getting out of "nursery children," happened to be there, and came close to see what it could be.
It was a delicately-folded note, and inside Tom read aloud, with some dismay:
"The pleasure of Master Tom Arundel's society is desired at Sunnyside for a fortnight, accompanied by his sister Ada."
"What does it mean?" asked Tom, looking rather anxiously at Nellie.
"I should think it means you are to go and stay at Hampstead."
"Oh!" said Tom. "But I don't think I can stay anywhere."
"Here is another letter in the same writing," said Nellie, smiling; "but as Ada is not home yet, we must wait."
Nellie sat down by Tom, and took up her work, while she listened to his plans and projects; but suddenly, he hid his face in his hands and burst into tears.