She opened the letter with Bunny looking on. They read it together.
"MY DEAR GRAND-NIECE,
"I am pleased to acknowledge your letter of the 4th inst., and I write to inform you that I shall be delighted to receive you and your brother on whatever date it may suit you to come. I am glad to hear of the latter's excellent progress. I presume you are capable of keeping him in order. You will of course be prepared to find your own entertainment. Should your worthy husband care to join the party by any chance, I have room for all.
"Your affectionate uncle,
"EDWARD WARREN."
"Holy Christopher!" ejaculated Bunny. "What on earth did you want to write to him for? I'm not going there,--jiggered if I am! And to be tied to your apron-strings too,--not much!"
Maud folded the letter. "I thought you might like to go away with me for a little," she said.
He stared at her. "What! Away from Jake? Not--much!"
She tried to smile. "You're not very flattering, Bunny."
Bunny was still staring. "I can't think what's come to you! Jake's the best chap in the world, and yet you don't seem to get on with him. Say, what the blazes is the matter with you anyway?"