What dear good children you and Billy have been, and how we have enjoyed your splendid cheerful letters.
I am pleased that you have been practicing on your crocheting lesson. It pleases Aunt Maria, too. Every girl should be able to crochet and knit. I wish I had been taught when I was little—but I had no Aunt Maria.
Now, my dear, be brave a little while longer and not too lonely, for the sake of your loving
Mother and Father.
“Now, isn’t that a lovely letter!” said Mary Frances, as she finished reading.
“Lovely letter!” said Crow Shay. “Lovely letter, but it means a hurry-hurry to get through our lessons!”
Mary Frances looked at Fairly Flew.