“Dear young friends:—
“This morning a letter was received by me that you may be able to interpret better than I can. I did not know that your father had been appointed guardian of a girl named Margaret Selover, but the letter which I have this day received from an eastern law firm informs me that the income which has been sent, since her father’s death, to this young girl, has been abruptly discontinued as the mines from which it is derived are no longer paying.
“Since Miss Selover is referred to as your father’s ward, I presume that she is residing with you, and so I thought best to communicate with you at once.
“Trusting that the deprivation will be but temporary,
“I remain,
“Your faithful friend and adviser,
“Harry L. Benton.”
“Which means?” Virginia’s tone was one of inquiry.
“Which means that we will have to lasso that young tornado and bring her here, whether or not she wishes to come,” was the dismal reply, “for surely, you and I, Virg, cannot afford to pay Miss Selover’s tuition at a fashionable seminary.”
“No, we cannot,” his sister agreed, then—“Shall I write to poor Margaret and tell her the sad news?”