“Listen, dear,” she said, sitting down by her side. “This letter of mine very nearly concerns you:
“New York, Madison Avenue, Dec. 20.
“My Dear Mrs. Abbott: Will you let Katie’s friend, Miss Marion Stubbs, come and spend a portion of the holidays with us?
“If you will let her come Mr. Ashley will meet her at the Grand Central Station on the 24th, if you will let us know the train.
“With kindest regards, yours very sincerely,
“E. T. Ashley.”
“You don’t look surprised!”
“No, I knew Mrs. Ashley had written to you;” and Marion handed Katie’s letter to her.
“Isn’t it good of them?” she asked, watching Mrs. Abbott’s face till she finished reading.
“Yes; I am glad you are to have such a treat, for I feared it would be dull for you here.”
“It could not be dull with you and Elfie and Mr. Eaton,” said Marion, “and I don’t know as I really want to go; I am afraid I shouldn’t know just how to act always, and I might make Katie ashamed before her friends.”
“That is doing Katie great injustice.”
“O, I don’t mean it that way,” exclaimed Marion, kissing her letter impulsively.
“I know you don’t; but, my dear child, you haven’t read your other letter!”