“When will the new tenants go in?” asked Josie.
“Next week, I believe.”
“Have they seen the place?”
“No, they say they are willing to take it ‘as is’ and are sure it will suit them. The agent was quite jubilant over such pleasant people wanting it. They have a Chinaman who cooks for them. It seems they are western people who are in Dorfield because of its climate. They know nobody at all and are not anxious for acquaintances because of the gentleman’s affliction. He has not been blind long and is very sensitive about it until he can learn to handle himself with less awkwardness.”
“Poor fellow!” spoke up Irene. “Aunt Hannah and I will try and be neighborly.”
“I know you will, dear, and then perhaps they won’t want to go abroad but will just keep the house for a long time. I am sure I’d rather have you for a neighbor than go abroad,” said Mary Louise affectionately.
Mary Louise had said all the time she wanted to rent the big house but now that the thing was accomplished her heart misgave her. It seemed so final to have strangers in her old home. All day the thought was buzzing in her head, “My youth is dead and gone! I have no home! I have no kin! I am alone.”
CHAPTER XVII
A MYSTERIOUS MESSAGE
The day was a busy one. Spring hats were being contemplated by old and young. There was a rush of orders for Higgledy Piggledies generally. Elizabeth had piles of typing on hand, Irene must mend some priceless lace that was to be laundered by Josie, and Josie, on top of all the other things that must be attended to, had a call from Chief Lonsdale that caused her to put her hat on hind part before and actually run to his office.