A chance commission which Elinor had entrusted to Martine the day of their drive to Cambridge had occasioned the first interchange of letters after Elinor's return to Philadelphia, and in the succeeding months they had continued to write once a fortnight. Thus their friendship had developed without their having seen much of each other, and Elinor's flying visit was delightful to them both in showing them how much they really had in common. CHAPTER XIII AT PLYMOUTH "Mother," said Martine, a week before Easter, "I have a splendid plan." "Well, my dear, what is it?" "Wouldn't it be fine to take Priscilla to New York for the holidays? Just think! she has never been there--and at her age--!" Mrs. Stratford could but laugh at Martine's seriousness. "I imagine many persons twice Priscilla's age have never been in New York." "Oh, yes--but Boston is so near--and Priscilla ought to go because she has the strangest notions about New York people--that they are all frivolous, with nothing to do but amuse themselves. I would like to have her at the Waldorf for a few days. Wouldn't she open her eyes? I am just crazy to take her!" "I fear it isn't feasible, my dear, to go away now." "But you like New York, and a change always benefits you." "Oh, yes." "You like Priscilla, too?" "Certainly. She is an excellent companion for you. You balance each other perfectly, and I should be glad to have you spend your holidays together. But New York--no, my dear, we must be careful this spring about spending money--your father has had losses and expenses." Something in her mother's tone impressed Martine, something in her words, too, as well as in her tone. She had seldom heard either her father or her mother talk of economy, except in occasional instances when she herself had been carelessly extravagant. Now the mention of her father stirred her. "Oh, I hope that wasn't why papa went away, on account of money. Of course I know we have to be more economical--but a trip to New York is so short, and we always have travelled so much." "I know it, dear. But, fortunately, neither of us needs change just now. There is much in Boston that you have not yet seen, and I can imagine your spending the vacation delightfully without leaving the city." "Oh, I am sure I could, mamma; and now that you have spoken of it, I should just love to economize. I don't need a new spring hat--the one I had last season is as good as new--and if you would let the cook go--I am sure that Angelina and I could do all the work." Martine spoke anxiously, even excitedly. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes bright. "There is no need of any desperate economy just yet. But if you and Lucian can be contented with me, I can promise you a pleasant vacation." "I am sure of it, mamma; let us make some plans now."