"Nancy speaks for herself, Aunt Emily."
"Yes, thank God, and redeems her father. Wait until you see the sister. She was a lovely, distracting imp—but with a queer twist. I shouldn't be surprised a bit if she needs a deal of explaining and excusing."
But when Nancy's wonderful news reached Joan in the tiny Chicago home it made her very tender and wistful.
"Think, Pat, of dear little Nan—going to be married. Married!"
Patricia, who shared all Joan's letters, lighted a cigarette and puffed for a moment, looking into the glowing grate, then she quoted eloquently:
"There was a little woman,
So I've heard tell,
Who went to market,
Her eggs for to sell!"
Joan stared.
"My lamb, for this cause came Nancy and her kind into the world."
"I don't understand, Pat." Joan's eyes were shining and misty.
"Well, what on earth would you do with Nancy if you didn't marry her off? If she were homely she'd have to fill in chinks in other people's lives, but with her nice little basket of eggs, good looks, money, not too much wit, and a desire to please, she just naturally is put up for sale and off she goes!"