Alice controlled the pleasant excitement that came with the familiar sound of his own voice. "You mustn't believe the stories you hear," she laughed. "How are you all?"
"One story to-day sounded pretty straight."
"Sometimes those are the least reliable. How is your uncle?"
"Still I shall have to have it out with you--passing us by this morning."
"But you weren't at home."
"Worse and worse--you didn't know that."
She laughed again happily. "You may scold as much as you like, I'm so happy to get home I'm walking on air."
"How do you manage that? I never can get up any excitement over getting home. I wish I might come and see how it affects you."
"Do come."
"Unfortunately I am leaving to-night for the Southwest."