“I hope you will have good news,” began Matilda when the sisters were alone. Then she added, as if some sudden idea struck her, “But I forgot! I will leave you and come again presently, Susy dear; you would like to read and answer your letter?”
What it was that Miss Matilda professed to have forgotten would puzzle most men; but it was a phrase habitual to her, and coming from a person of her experience, it probably conveyed all she intended to those of her own sex who enjoyed her familiarity. Susy, whether she understood the form of expression or not, was attracted by her sister’s winning ways and most unusual condescension, and was quite prepared to open her heart to her.
“Don’t go, Till,” she said, blushing. “I have something to say to you.”
“To me!” exclaimed the delighted Matilda with well-feigned surprise. “Pray tell me what it is!”
“It is the letter,” said Susy.
“Oh! that’s quite private,” pursued Matilda, “if I might judge by your putting it aside unopened.”
“But there is confidence between sisters?”
“Most undoubtedly. Would I not unbosom myself to you?”
“You shall, then, be the first to learn the news, but it must soon be family property,” said Susy, opening the letter, and reading it as Matilda looked over her shoulder. “I ought, perhaps, to show it to papa first,” she added, as a glow diffused itself over her face and neck.
“Yes; it is indeed matter for papa’s consideration: it is meant for him. But whom is it from?” said Matilda, in a fever to see the name on the last page, which Susy had not yet turned to.