“I don't know. I heard he had made money in stocks, but I don't know how much,” Doña Josefa replied.
“I have no faith in stocks,” said Carlota.
“Let us not mention this to Mercedes yet. When Elvira returns we will consult with her,” Doña Josefa said.
Nothing was said to Mercedes about her journey, but she was never allowed to see Clarence alone.
Elvira returned, and the project mentioned to her. She, as a matter of course, was delighted at the prospect of having her favorite sister with her. The pain of leaving her home would be lessened in her company.
A day or two after, when Elvira was alone in her room, Mercedes came in, looking rather pale, and letting herself drop into the first chair she came to, said:
“What is this unexpected news about my going to New York with you?”
“Good news, I think. Don't you like it?”
“Certainly. But it is too sudden. Why hadn't mamma thought of it before?”
“Because she did not think your health required any change.”