Aunt Ella and Alice had many long confabs about the young couple, and how to reinstate Maude in her father's good graces when the truth became known to him.
“I have an idea,” said Alice one morning to Aunt Ella. “Yesterday I had a letter from Dr. Paul Culver, one of the executors of Quincy's will. He says his practice is so great that he cannot do justice to my interests, and asks me to suggest some one to be appointed in his stead.”
“What's your idea? Though perhaps I can guess,” said Aunt Ella.
“I am going to suggest Mr. Merry. I had many talks with him while you were away with Maude, and I am deeply impressed in his favour. Are you surprised?”
“Not so much as you will be when I tell you that Florence and her husband are going back with Maude. Harry will have to go too, so something must be done. Now, you know that I gave Quincy an allowance of five thousand dollars a year when he was married. I am going to give it to Harry.”
“And why not let them live in the Mount Vernon Street house—until—” Her voice broke.
“I know what you were going to say, Alice. It is a good idea—all furnished and ready for occupancy. I shall never see it again—and you may not for years—for I can't spare you.”
“When do they sail?” Alice asked.
“In about a week. I'm going to write a letter to Sarah to-night to pave the way.”
It was midnight when Aunt Ella completed a letter that seemed to fit the case.