"Yes, I'll come," responded Angelica. "I'm dying for my tea, dear, isn't it ready?"
"May I pour it for you? I'll be very careful, and I know just how you like it."
"Yes, you may pour it, but let Mammy Riah help you. Here's your father now, and Cousin Matty."
"Hallo, David!" Mary's voice rang out clearly. "You look just a bit seedy, don't you? Letty's illness seems to have knocked out everybody except the youngster herself. Even Miss Meade looks as if she'd been giving too much medicine." Then she turned to embrace Mrs. Timberlake, while Blackburn crossed the room and sat down near the fireplace.
"Well, daughter, it isn't a birthday, is it?"
Letty, with her head bent sideways, and her small mouth screwed up very tight, was pouring Angelica's tea with the aid of Mammy Riah. "You mustn't talk to me while I am pouring, father," she answered seriously. "I am so afraid I shall spill it, and mother can't bear to have it spilt."
"All right. I'll talk to your Aunt Mary. Any news, Mary?"
"Yes, there's news, David. Alan is coming in for his own, and it looks as if his own were enough for us."
"You mean the old man in Chicago——?"
"He died last week, just as he was celebrating his ninetieth birthday. At ninety one couldn't reasonably have asked for very much more, do you think?"