Mrs. Wilton yielded to Ada's impatience, and opened the envelope, holding it towards the bright blaze Ada had brought to life, and reading by it the large, clear handwriting.
"You know what is in this note, Ada?" Mrs. Wilton said when she had finished it, and turned back to the first sheet again to assure herself of the contents.
"I can guess, mother," Ada said, drawing nearer. "Do let me go."
"Go where?" asked Salome, leaving her post by the window and coming towards the fire,—"go where, Ada?"
Mrs. Wilton gave Lady Monroe's note into Salome's hand. She bent down, shading her forehead from the heat by her hand, and read:—
"Dear Mrs. Wilton,—I am writing to ask you a great favour. Will you lend your dear Ada to me for the winter? Eva has so set her heart on the plan, and has such a real affection for your Ada, that I hope you will consent. I need not say that she will be to me for the time as my own child, and that I am of course answerable for every expense; and I will see that she has advantages in the way of music lessons and any others that may be available at Cannes. My Eva's life will be brightened, and she will feel the privations of her delicate health less with a young companion whom she loves. Do not refuse me this request. I may add that Dr. Wilton encourages me to make it. Our friendship is not a new thing; and when I look at Ada, I see again the Emily Bruce of old times.—With kindest love, I am ever affectionately yours,
"Katharine Monroe."
"Do you wish to go, Ada?" Salome asked.
"Wish? Oh, I shall like it so much! I think it is delightful!"
"To you, no doubt," said Salome; "but it will put a great deal more on me. The children's lessons, and walking with them, and—But if mother likes it, there is nothing to be said."
"Well, it will be a great advantage to Ada," Mrs. Wilton sighed out; "and Lady Monroe will be a substantial friend. If your uncle approves it, I do not see how I can refuse."