“Sincerely yours,
“Alice Graham Shirly.”
“Oh!” Ruth’s second ejaculation stilled Frances’ flow of nonsense and brought all eyes to bear on her.
“What is it, Ruth?” asked Emmy concernedly.
Before Ruth could make reply the murmur of voices outside the door announced the arrival of the missing three.
“Wait a minute and I’ll tell you,” she answered briefly, stepping to the door.
“Sorry to keep you waiting,” began Betty, “but we couldn’t possibly know—”
“Of course you couldn’t,” interrupted Frances. “So glad to find that Janie stuck to her post. I did my best to inspire her to good work. A helpful word shouted over the banister often acts as a stimulus to duty, doesn’t it, Plain Jane?”
A withering glance at her tormentor was Jane’s only indication of having heard the question. “Please read us Marian’s letter, Ruth?” she requested, assuming an air of dignity that caused Frances to wriggle with delight.
“I’ve another letter that I must first read you.” Ruth’s intonation was distinctly dry. “Get comfy, girls, and I’ll proceed.”