“We were afraid you might not hear us,” greeted Frances solicitously, as Ruth opened the door to admit her clamorous guests.
“How thoughtful in you,” was her merry retort. “I suppose Jane is still keeping a lonely watch downstairs.”
“She is. I was thoughtful enough to go to the head of the stairs and call down a few encouraging words in passing.” Frances’ dancing eyes and mischievous grin conveyed a fair idea of the quality of her encouraging speeches.
“Sit down, girls,” invited Ruth. “I am going to ask you to let Emmy entertain you, or vice versa, while I read a letter. It’s the last of the three I took from the bulletin board, and I am rather curious to know who it is from. It’s postmarked ‘New York,’ but I can’t recognize the handwriting.”
“Read away. I give you my gracious permission,” acceded Frances, with a profound bow. “Sarah and I will entertain Emmy. What is your favorite form of diversion, my dear Miss Cerrito?”
“Listening to you and Jane argue,” laughed Emmy. “With Jane posted in the hall, I don’t see how you can carry out the whole of your contract.”
“Nothing easier,” assured Frances airily. “I will not only be myself but Plain Jane, also. Let me see.” Frances immediately launched forth into a spirited argument, supposedly carried on between herself and the absent Jane, which had to do with whether or not it had rained on the previous Thursday.
Ruth listened laughingly for a moment, then directed her attention to her neglected letter. As she took it from its envelope, curiosity impelled her to look first at the signature; a sharp ejaculation of amazement burst from her lips. Hastily turning to the salutation she was confronted with:
“Dear Miss Garnier:
“Blanche has written me that you have been so kind as to invite her to be your guest during the month of August. Since my physician ordered me to a sanatorium for the summer, I have been greatly concerned for my daughter’s welfare, as it is not advisable for her to be with me. She has no doubt explained matters to you. Your timely invitation has relieved my mind not a little. I am glad to grant her my permission to accept it, and wish to thank you for your thoughtfulness. I trust that she may prove an ideal guest. I am sure you cannot fail to be an ideal hostess. With best wishes, I remain,