"Then back to the post-office goes this letter!" he cried threateningly, holding aloft one with her address upon it.
"Silly boy, the dishes are done without your help; give it to me!" she cried, springing up and catching it out of his hand.
"A fortunate day; nobody neglected by Uncle Sam's messengers," he said, pulling several more from his pocket and distributing them.
The tongues were silent for a moment; then Vi uttered a joyous exclamation. "O Mary, you needn't stay at home to-morrow! mamma says she will send a hamper by the evening train to-morrow, with provision to last us over Sunday, so that you need not be troubled with Saturday cooking."
Everybody was glad, everybody thankful.
"But to-morrow's dinner," said Mary, presently; "shall we get back in time for me to cook it?"
"I don't know," said Edward; "but there are hotels where we can dine, and I invite you all to be my guests at whichever one the party may select. Now, Cousin Mary," as he read hesitation in her face, "I shall be hurt if anybody refuses my invitation."
So no one ventured an objection.
The day proved auspicious. Amy was unusually well, everybody else in good health and spirits, no excuse for staying at home: so all went and spent the entire day, taking an early start and not returning till late in the afternoon.