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Dandelion Cottage

Yours Regretfully, John W. Downing," announced Jean. "The man that was here yesterday, you know."

"Read it, read it," pleaded the others, crowding so closely that Jean had to elevate the letter above their heads in order to see it at all. "Do hurry up, we're crazy to hear it."

"My Dear Young Ladies:" read Jean in a voice that started bravely but grew fainter with every line. "It is with sincere regret that I write to inform you that it no longer suits the convenience of the vestrymen to have you occupy the church cottage on Fremont Street. It is to be rented as soon as a few necessary repairs can be made, and in the meantime, you will oblige us greatly by moving out at once. Please deliver the key, at your earliest convenience to me at either my house or this office.

"Yours Regretfully,

"John W. Downing."

For as much as two minutes no one said