I heard the boys tramping into the house at that moment, and I thrust the letter into my pocket. Presently father came in, and we sat down to our midday meal. Luckily for me, neither father nor the boys knew anything about the letter; but it was burning a hole in my pocket, and I was dying for the boys to return to school, and for father to go back to his classes, so that I might have an opportunity of opening the precious epistle. Just as father was leaving the room he turned back to me and said, "You may accept it if you like." "What, father?" I said in some astonishment. "When it is offered to you, you may accept it." He stooped and, to my great astonishment, kissed me on the forehead. Then he left the room, and a minute or two later left the house. What could he mean? Would the letter explain? Was there anything at all in the strange words of Agnes and Rita Swan? Of course, any ordinary girl would have relieved her curiosity by tearing open the letter; but I was somewhat slow and methodical in my movements, and wished to prolong my luxury as much as possible. I had the whole long afternoon in which to learn a few stupid lessons, and then to do nothing. Just then Hannah came up to remove the lunch-things. She seemed so sure that I would tackle her about her age that she had stuck cotton-wool into her right ear. I therefore did not speak at all; I was most anxious for her to depart. At last she did so, banging the door fiercely behind her. I heard her tramping off with her tray, and then I knew that my moment of bliss had arrived. I got a knife and very deliberately cut the flap of the envelope open at the top. I then slipped my hand into the precious enclosure and took out its contents. I opened the sheet of paper; I could read writing quite well, and this writing was plain and quite intelligible to any ordinary eyes. On the top of the sheet of paper were written the words, "Hedgerow House, near Chelmsford, Essex," and the letter ran as follows: "My dear Rachel or Dumps,--I want to know if you will come on Saturday next to pay me a little visit until Tuesday evening. I have heard that it is half-term holiday at your school, and should like you to see my pretty house and this pretty place. I believe I can give you a good time, so trust you will come.--Yours sincerely, Grace Donnithorne. "P.S.--In case you say yes, I will expect you by the train which leaves Liverpool Street at ten o'clock in the morning. I shall be waiting with the pony and cart at Chelmsford at eleven o'clock, and will drive you straight to Hedgerow House. "P.S. 2.--I have a great many pets. I trust you will be nice about them. Don't fear my little dog; his bark is worse than his bite. "P.S. 3.--Your clothes will do; don't bother about getting a fresh wardrobe."