“I said,” Mary Frances recited:
“Dear Aunt Maria:—
“Please come to my Garden Party next Wednesday. We’ve been industrious enough this Summer to please even you!
“I don’t want to tell you any more, for fear I’ll spoil the surprise, but we won’t have a bit nice time unless you are with us. I’ll never forget how pleased you were with my cooking surprise.
“With love, which I want to give you in real hugs, and real kisses,
“Mary Frances.”
“Mary Frances, do you dare hug your Aunt Maria? I’d never dare, I’m sure. The very thought scares me! She always seems so cross.”
Mary Frances laughed. “I used to feel the same way,” she said, “but after I found out that she was cross just because she was afraid——”
“Afraid? Your Aunt Maria afraid!”