"It is from dear Uncle Jacky," she said, with an affectionate smile, as she recognized the handwriting.
And then she asked the messenger a multitude of questions, which he was too much agitated to answer coherently, until at length Miss Cavendish said:
"Jerome, take the poor fellow into the kitchen and give him something to eat and drink. There is nothing like beef and beer to exorcise evil spirits. And when he is rested and refreshed we will see him again."
And Jerome took Taters rather roughly by the shoulder and pulled him upon his feet and carried him along the hall through the back door toward the kitchen.
"Will you excuse me now, dear Emma, while I read my uncle's letter?" inquired Laura, as she retreated to the drawing-room.
"Certainly," smiled Miss Cavendish, following her guests.
Laura went into the recess of a bay-window and opened the dingy yellow envelope and read as follows:
"Lytton Lodge, April —, 18—.
"My dear Niece:—I think my nephew, Alden, has a more correcter ideer of what is jue to kin and kith than what you have shown.
"Alden is spending his Easter holidays along of me and his relations.