"How do you think it would do for Harry to carry him a letter, asking him to call upon us?" "His guardian would intercept it." "It might be delivered to him privately." "There is something in what you say," returned Rose, thoughtfully. "He is our cousin, and we are his only living relatives. It would only be proper for him to call upon us." "The sooner we communicate with him the better, then," said Adeline, whose temperament was quick and impulsive. "Suppose I write a letter and get Harry to carry it to the hotel when he comes home." "As you please, Addie. I would write it, but I want to finish this vest to-night." "I will write it. I want to be of some little use." She rose, and with languid step drew near the table. Procuring writing materials, she penned a brief note, which she handed to Rose, when completed, with the inquiry, "How will that do?" Rose cast her eyes rapidly over the brief note, which read as follows: "DEAR COUSIN PHILIP:--No doubt you are aware that you have three cousins in this city--my sister Rose, my brother Harry, who will hand you this note, and myself. We have not seen you for many years. Will it be too much to ask you to call on us? We are in humble quarters, but shall be glad to welcome you to our poor home. "Your cousin, "ADELINE BEAUFORT." In a line below, the address was given. "That will do very nicely, Addie," said Rose. "I am glad you did not hint at our need of assistance." "If he comes to see us, he can see that for himself. I hope something may come of it," continued the younger sister. "Don't count too much on it, or your disappointment will be the more keen." "Harry can carry it around after supper." "Philip may be at supper." "Then he can wait. I wish he would come home." As if in answer to her wish the door was hastily opened, and a bright, ruddy-faced boy entered. "Welcome back, Harry," said Rose, with a smile. "How have you passed the day?" "Running round as usual, Rose. It's no joke to be a cash-boy." "I wish I could run round, Harry," sighed Addie. "So do I. That would be jolly. How are you feeling to-day, Addie?" "About the same. Are you very tired?" "Oh, no; only about the same as usual." "Because I would like to have you do an errand for me." "Of course I will," said Harry, cheerfully. "What is it?" "I want you to take this note to the Metropolitan Hotel." "Who do you know there?" asked Harry, in surprise. An explanation was given. "I want you to be very particular to give the note to Philip without his guardian's knowledge. Can you manage it?" "I'll try. I'll go the first thing after supper." CHAPTER XII. A SURPRISING ANNOUNCEMENT.