"So we are," replied Miss Ruth Golding. "We are your cousins."
"Certainly," agreed Miss Kate, "your Uncle George knew us when we were little girls, so of course we are your cousins."
"Of course!" echoed Marian, "and I know my summer of happiness has begun this day in April."
"Your troubles have begun, you mean," warned Miss Ruth; "the school-teacher boards with us and you'll have to toe the mark."
"Oh, goody!" exclaimed Marian. "I can walk to school with her."
"You won't say 'goody' when you see the lady," predicted Miss Kate. "She's as sober as a judge, very quiet, and keeps to herself."
"What's the matter with her?" asked Marian.
"She's lived in the city all her life and eaten books," explained Ruth. "She eats them, Marian, covers, binding, pictures and everything. Too bad, but maybe you'll get used to it. Here is mother coming to meet you, and here comes Carlo."
Marian ran ahead to throw her arms around Mrs. Golding's neck. "I am so glad they sent me back to you," she cried. "I didn't say anything about it to my aunt because she would have sent me somewhere else. It doesn't do to let her know when you're too happy. She isn't a bit like you, not a bit."