"But wait till I have read the letter and then you may ask all the questions you wish."
It was not a lengthy epistle. Mrs. Keith glanced over it, then read it aloud. Its tone was cousinly and affectionate.
The writer stated that he had lately graduated from college and was now taking a tour to rest and refresh himself after many months of hard study; that he had arrived in Detroit, would tarry there a week and then journey on into Indiana to visit his relatives in Pleasant Plains.
"This letter has been some time on the way," Mrs. Keith remarked, examining the date, "and really I think he may walk in upon us day after to-morrow."
"Then we'd better be getting ready for him!" exclaimed Mildred, starting up in her energetic way.
"Wait a little. Mother promised to tell us about him," cried the children.
"Yes, and will. There's time enough, Milly."
Mildred resumed her seat; for she, too, wanted to hear all her mother had to tell.
"My mother," Mrs. Keith began, "was two years younger than Aunt Wealthy, who was the daughter of my grandfather by his first wife; therefore only half sister to my mother and Aunt Eva, who were the children of the second.
"Aunt Eva was five years younger than my mother and was still single when mother died; which, as you have all heard, was when I, her only child, was but little more than two years old.