Miss Stuart was reading Mr. Latham’s note.
“My sister-in-law is with me,” it read. “She joins her entreaties to Reginald’s and mine to beg our hillside fairies to come down to the earth and have afternoon tea with us. We are to have no other guests, except a few young people whom I am sure your girls will like to meet. Later on, when you condescend to spend a few weeks in Lenox, it may be a pleasure for you to know them. Certainly it will be a pleasure for them to know you.”
“The man is waiting outside for your answer,” proclaimed Ruth, dancing first on one foot and then on the other. “Here are pen and paper. Do write and let me take the note out to him.”
Miss Stuart allowed herself to be persuaded into accepting Mr. Latham’s invitation. Life on the hill was growing a bit dull for Miss Sallie. She dreaded the long trip, but Mr. Latham’s place lay between their hill and the town of Lenox.
Mollie came into the room as Ruth ran out to deliver the note of acceptance. “Who is out there?” she inquired languidly. The little girl was not yet rested from her experience of the day before.
“We are invited to the Latham place this afternoon, Molliekins!” Bab explained.
“Are you going, Miss Sallie?” Mollie asked.
Miss Stuart nodded. “Yes, I think so, child,” she declared. “It is a dreadfully long journey, but Ruth is determined to go, and I am as wax in her hands.”
“Aunt Sallie Stuart, you are no such thing!” Ruth laughed, as she returned to the little group. “I am the most obedient niece in the world. You know you liked Mr. Latham. And he has a marvelous place, with a wonderful fish pond on it. From his veranda he says you can see over into four states, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont!”
“Well, girls, we will start promptly after an early lunch,” Miss Stuart remarked.