“My dear Winnie:
“An unexpected stroke of good fortune enables me to tender to you this small token of my profound appreciation of your kindness toward me in a dark hour. I beg that you will honor me by accepting it.
“Furthermore, it occurs to me that this cottage, hallowed as it is to me by its associations, is scarcely suitable in its present condition for a winter residence for ladies accustomed to modern conveniences. I shall endeavor to arrange for the installation of electricity, and I am this afternoon going into the city to consult with an expert upon the advisability of a small furnace.
“I shall be somewhat late in returning. Indeed, my dear Winnie, I should prefer that you read this in my absence, and to consider—”
“That’s all that matters,” said Cousin Winnie, hastily, folding up the letter.
“No! Read the rest!” her child firmly insisted.
“No,” Cousin Winnie asserted. “I—I prefer not.”
“But why?” Lucy began, and then stopped, staring at her mother.
“Mother!” the girl exclaimed.
“Don’t be silly!” said Cousin Winnie, severely.