"I have a great piece of news," said Stefanie.
Ina pricked up her ears; and her whole being was thrilled.
"What, Aunt?"
"Only think, I've had a letter from Thérèse ..."
"From Aunt Thérèse in Paris?..."
"Yes, from Aunt van der Staff. She's coming to the Hague. She writes that she felt something urging her, something impelling her, while she was saying her prayers—we know those Roman Catholic prayers!—something impelling her to come to the Hague and see Mamma. She hasn't seen Mamma for years. She hasn't been to the Hague for years, which wasn't at all the thing.... What does she want to come here for now, exciting Mamma perhaps, with her popery, in her old age!"
It was a very great piece of news and Ina's usually weary, well-bred eyes glistened.
"What! Is Aunt Thérèse coming here?"
It was a most important piece of news.
"Could she know anything?" asked Ina.