It was a warm afternoon late in June.
"There! I'm done with lessons for a while anyway, and glad of it too!" exclaimed Lulu Raymond, coming into Mrs. Scrimp's sitting-room and depositing her satchel of school-books upon the table.
"So am I, Lu, for now you'll have time to make that new dress for my dollie, won't you?" Gracie said languidly, from the sofa where she lay.
"Yes, little pet, and ever so many other things. But oh dear! holidays aren't much after all when you can't go anywhere or have any fun. I do wonder when we'll see papa again."
"Pretty soon, Lu," cried a boyish voice in tones of delight, and turning quickly she found Max at the window, wearing a brighter face than he had shown her for many a day, and holding up a bulky letter.
"O Max!" she cried, "is it from papa?"
"Yes; and I'm coming in to read it to you if you and Gracie are alone."
"Yes, we are; Aunt Beulah's gone out calling and Ann's busy in the kitchen."
"Then here I am!" he said, vaulting lightly in through the window.
Lulu laughed admiringly. "I'd like to try that myself," she said.