The things are collected, and stowed away in the box; it is sent off by express, and in a few days the following letter announces its arrival.
Elm Bank, —— 16, 1880.
Dear, dear, dear Family,—I know I can't show you my delight better than by telling you all about it.
Yesterday we Aegises were out walking all the afternoon, and when we came home, hungry as wolves, were cheered by a chorus from the piazza:
"A Clifford box, a Wood box—
A Clifford box, a Wood box."
Perhaps you have no appetizing association with a wood-box, but the news quickened our steps, and inspired us with the elasticity of a quintette of rubber balls as we bounded up the steps, and fell upon our boxes with all the love of a father upon a returned prodigal.
I sat down on my box, and Gertie on hers, and there we sat, as happy as two enthroned queens, with serfs and vassals standing near. How every girl in school idolized us last night!
"George has driven Madame over to town, and won't be back till late," said Enid, coming from her expedition to the basement in search of George. (George is the man-servant who "does the chores" and "plays hero" for the school.)
"How can we ever get these up stairs?" asks Gertie.
"Carry them ourselves," cried a brawny girl; "we'll all help."