A few days later, whilst Ella and her grandmother were sitting at breakfast, the postman brought a letter, the contents of which caused the old lady considerable surprise. She read it through twice over, and then, with trembling fingers, put it back into its envelope.
Ella, on the alert for news of her father, asked if the letter were from South Africa.
"No, my dear, it is not," was the reply; "but you can read it all the same, as it has to do with you."
Ella then read the epistle, her eyes glistening very brightly meanwhile.
[CHAPTER V]
CINDERELLA AT SCHOOL
THE all-important missive ran as follows—
"DEAR MADAM,
"I am writing to ask, as a personal favour, that you will allow me to defray the cost of your grandchild's education at Farley House School, at least until her father returns home. I make this offer in gratitude for the noble service your son rendered mine in saving his life in South Africa, the story of which doubtless you have already heard from Dr. Carteret.
"Hoping to receive a favourable reply,
"Believe me, dear madam,
"Yours very truly,
"JAMES CROFTON."
"Oh, Grannie!" exclaimed the child, throwing down the letter in her excitement. "How simply too lovely! Do write and say 'Yes.'"
"I hate accepting favours, child," was the proud reply. "It goes against the grain sorely, but—"