"Much better," said Uncle, nodding with forced cheerfulness. "Down with you, Dot. We'll join you in a minute."
Dorry, as she left them, saw her uncle stooping low to peer into the far roof-end of the garret, and she had time to place Delia carefully in her treasure-cabinet, put on the warmer dress, and be ready to receive her uncle and Donald before they made their appearance.
"May we be your guests, Dot?" asked Uncle George, at her door.
"Oh, yes, sir; come right in here," was her pleased response, as, with a conflict of curiosity and dread, Dorry gracefully conducted them into her cosey corner.
"It is too pretty and dainty here for our rough masculine tread, eh, Don?" was Mr. Reed's remark, as, with something very like a sigh, he placed himself beside Dorry upon the sofa, while her brother took a seat close by.
"Well," began Dorry, clasping her hands tightly, and trying to feel calm. "We're ready now, Uncle."
"And so am I," said he. "But first of all, I must ask you both not to magnify the importance of what I am going to reveal."
"About Aunt Kate?" interposed Dorry.
"About Aunt Kate. Do not think you have lost her, because she was really—no, I should say not exactly—"
"Oh," urged Dorry, "don't stop so, Uncle! Please do go on!"