[CHAPTER IV.]
AUNT ACKERMAN.
"MY dear child," said Miss Ackerman, speaking in a tone which made Percy start, "I am so glad you have come; but we did not expect you till to-morrow. How did you get here?"
Percy had to explain that Mr. Hausen had changed his plans, which had changed her own; and added, that Mrs. Richardson had telegraphed to that effect.
"And here comes the message, I fancy," said Miss Ackerman, as Sylvester brought in a yellow envelope. "But it does not matter, so long as you are safe. I dare say you are tired and hungry enough. Come up and see your room, and then we will see about some lunch. Never mind your bag; Sylvester will bring it."
Percy followed her cousin, feeling more and more as if she was in a dream; for Cousin Margaret's face, figure, and voice were exactly like what her mother's had been before she was ill.
"See, this is your room," said Miss Ackerman, opening a door. "We could have given you a larger one up-stairs, but mamma thought you would like to be near us. Do you think you shall like this little blue and brown place?"
"I think it is lovely," answered Percy, who had a great liking for all sorts of pretty things. The room was finished with light oak wood in the natural colour, and the furniture was of the same. The curtains were of blue and white, and there was a blue and oak carpet on the floor. Some pretty china figures and a sociable little clock stood on the mantel; there was a dainty little writing-desk, and three or four shelves hung over it, filled with books both new and old.
"It is the prettiest room I ever saw," said Percy.
"I am glad you like it," said Miss Ackerman. "Mamma had it fitted up on purpose for you." She did not say that Mrs. Ackerman had given up her own special sitting-room, that the strange little girl might not have to go up-stairs alone to sleep. "Mamma is dressing to go out," continued Miss Ackerman; "and I hope you won't consider us uncivil if We leave you to your own devices for a couple of hours. You see, we have an engagement at the Orphans' Home, which can't be very well put off. I will tell them to send you up some lunch; and you can amuse yourself with a book, or in any way you please. You won't mind, will you?"