“‘And perhaps you can set matters right for us. We don’t want to beg, Uncle. We only ask you if you could give us a loan.’ We’ll have to mention money, girls,” said Mollie; “we can’t wait till he comes——‘perhaps you could give us a loan by helping Father and Mother (who work so hard), and when we grow up we’ll pay back every penny of it. We’re all strong and healthy and willing to work.’”
“‘And we’re as clever as most people,’” put in Eileen.
“Yes, ‘and we can assure you that we would be quite clever if we got a chance, and would be all willing to take up something to make money to pay you back, if you would only let us have a loan soon.’”
“Oh, Mollie, you are clever,” said Eva, “to write all that!”
“Yes, I’m pretty good at letters,” answered Mollie. “‘If possible, we would like you to come and see us.’”
“Tell him he can have the verandah room,” said Doris.
“‘And then you could decide for yourself if you would care to help us.’”
“Don’t forget to tell him not to tell Father and Mother that we wrote,” warned Eva.
“Oh, no!” they all cried.
“‘And now, Uncle, we have a big favour to ask of you. Don’t, please, let Mother and Father know we wrote to you, on any account, because they would be fearfully annoyed. It’s because they’re working so hard and try to do their best, and are so cheerful about all the bad times, that we’re writing to you.’”