ment-envelope. "Begging more money, I suppose. Got hold of Reba's name somehow." Then she drew out the typewritten sheet inside. These were the mystifying words that met her eyes. She read them to herself.
Dear Miss Jerome:
In answer to your inquiry of January 25th, a single room will be available on February the 7th, and we shall be very glad to welcome you here. We enclose our price-list of rooms, including board, also a circular describing our rules and regulations. As there is a great demand for rooms, please let us know your decision immediately.
It was necessary for Aunt Augusta to read this communication through three times, before it conveyed any meaning whatsoever, examine the circulars, inspect the address, and then read the incomprehensible words over again. Even then she was not sure.
"Will you explain that?" she said to Reba, passing the letter back to the girl through Aunt Emma, who handled it meagerly, as if it were something that was likely to explode.
Reba's hand trembled as she received the thin sheet. She stared at it a long while, not knowing what to reply.
"Well?" prodded Aunt Augusta.
"Why, I thought I'd like" Reba started out, without raising her eyes. "It's the Women's New England Alliance I thought Father gives to it—and I"
"Do you mean to say you actually did write and ask about rooms?"
"Yes, I did—I"
