CHAPTER XVI
BY RETURN OF POST
Laurel, April thirtieth.
Stella darling: If you only knew how we miss you here in Laurel! It seems like years since you went away; can it be it’s only nine months? And you don’t write half as often as you promised. I wonder what you are really and truly up to!
“Have you picked out your allotment yet? Be sure and get a good one. Oh, how I wish I were twenty-one this minute! Daddy perfectly understands that the very day I come of age I shall start on the long journey to Dakota, to join my dear friend Stella and stock that cattle ranch.
“Of course, you will want to hear all the news. Doris has been spending two weeks in Boston with her uncle—the rich one. What do you think? she went to the Symphony Orchestra twice, and to the opera once, and to two—no, three dances! She has the loveliest braided suit in a perfectly exquisite shade of blue; and a set of chinchilla furs for Christmas; and two new party dresses and a pale-blue evening cape lined with salmon that is simply a dream. I can’t tell you half. Doris is getting to be a regular society girl; and that, you know, Jibby, I never wanted to be and never will.
“Mother bought me a handsome suit, too—mine is the new copper shade—and a stylish hat; and Daddy would have taken me to New York on his last trip, but just then poor old Scotty had to break his leg, and of course I wouldn’t stir for worlds.
“Oh, I must tell you all about it! Just fancy! Ethan Honey happened to be in town over Easter, stopping with Uncle Si; and you know there isn’t any vet in Laurel; and so, I just ’phoned him—I was almost crazy, of course—and asked what should I do! He was perfectly splendid; got to the house in less than half an hour, and set the leg so that it’s practically as good as new! Wasn’t it clever of the dear boy? They say he’s thought everything of at the medical school, and bound to make a name for himself, some day.