The signature she practiced with a pen for half an hour until her imitation was almost perfect and then signed it. Satisfied with the message, she addressed an envelope to "Miss Helen Winslow, Convent of the Sacred Heart, Racine, Wisconsin," sealed and posted it with her own hand.
The answer came six days later. Cleo recognized the post mark at once, broke the seal and read it with dancing eyes:
"My Dear Major Norton:
"I am wild with joy over your kind invitation. As my last examinations are over I will not wait for the Commencement exercises. I am so excited over this trip I just can't wait. I am leaving day after to-morrow and hope to arrive almost as soon as this letter.
"With a heart full of gratitude,
"Your lonely ward,
"Helen."
Two days later a hack rolled up the graveled walk to the white porch, a girl leaped out and bounded up the steps, her cheeks flushed, her wide open blue eyes dancing with excitement.
She was evidently surprised to find that Cleo was an octoroon, blushed and extended her hand with a timid hesitating look:
"This—this—is Cleo—the major's housekeeper?" she asked.
The quick eye of the woman took in at a glance the charm of the shy personality and the loneliness of the young soul that looked out from her expressive eyes.