"I hope it won't put you out," said the old lady, turning to Gertrude. "My niece always visits me every year at this time. You have heard me say that the child is passionately fond of the woods and mountains and she cheers me up a little."
"Is it that pretty little girl you have told us about so often, Aunt Rosa?" asked Gertrude, kindly; and as the former nodded, she continued,
"Oh, she will be heartily welcome, won't she, Frank? When is she coming, and what is her name?"
"I expect her in a day or two, and her name is Adelaide Strom," replied Aunt Rosa. "I always call her Addie."
[Illustration: "Gertrude hastened to introduce her mother and sister to the old lady.">[
Then she began to explain the relationship which had the result of making all the company dizzy.
"My mother's sister married a Strom, and her step-son is the cousin of Adelaide's grandfather--"
Here Mrs. Baumhagen rose with great rustling. "I must go home," she said, interrupting the explanation. "It is high time we were gone."
Jenny, who was standing behind her husband's chair, laid her hand on his shoulder.
"Please order the carriage."