"There is a letter for you, my dear," Mr. Dinsmore said, handing his wife and niece from the carriage.
"From whom?" she asked, with interest.
"I have not opened it, but the address is in your sister Delia's hand."
"Ah! then it is just the one I want."
At the tea table Mrs. Dinsmore made an announcement.
"My nieces, Juliet and Reba Marsden, are coming on a visit here. We may expect them to-night or to-morrow."
"To-night?" said Mr. Dinsmore inquiringly. "They come by the stage, eh?"
"Yes; it passes at what hour?"
"Eight; Pomp," to the servant in waiting, "tell Aunt Phœbe to have a hot supper ready at quarter past eight."
"Young ladies, Aunt?" asked Mildred, looking up with a bright, pleased face.