Trude had not minded the dearth of young men. Since her unhappy experience on a former visit she was glad of that dearth. The serenity of the summer, the relaxation and rest from responsibilities had brought a lovely freshness to her face, a brightness to her eyes that was not all a reflection of the brightness about her. The sheer luxury of loafing, of not having to think out petty problems or worry one single minute was all her old-young heart now asked. Once in awhile, of course, she fretted because Isolde was not enjoying Edgeacres with her, or getting to know how really nice Aunt Edith White was. Where Vick and Sidney were concerned she had no remorse for Vick was seeing new lands, doubtless conquering them, and Sidney was happy at Cape Cod; but she could not help thinking that Issy must be working too hard at the Deerings--getting up early in the morning and typing all through the hot day and doubtless fussing over the housework and the small babies as well. Trude thought of the mail. Again there had been no letter from either Issy or Sidney! Sidney really _ought_ to write. Perhaps it _had_ not been wise to let her go off alone with relatives of whom they knew nothing! Suddenly a postmark on one of the letters on the little table at her elbow caught her eye. Provincetown. Trude caught it up apprehensively. That letter might be from their Cousin Achsa! She turned it over and over, wishing she might open it. "Good morning, my dear! I get up with the birds myself and find that you're up before me!" Trude laughed, to cover her anxiety. "I told Jonathan I'd inspect his new beds this morning." "There, didn't I say you were supplanting me in Jonathan's esteem? But he only wants you to admire them and smile at him. He knows you know nothing about gardens, even though you are a very wise young woman! Ah, the mail--is there anything there worth looking at before breakfast?" "Two cards, three advertising envelopes and--and two personal letters." Trude held out the two letters, her heart beating in her throat. Mrs. White glanced at them indifferently. She turned one as though to tear open the envelope, then stopped to play with Mitie. Next she gave her attention to Pepper who appeared in the door to summon her to breakfast. And all the time Trude's eyes were beseeching her to open them--to open _one_ of them quickly. Trude followed her into the breakfast room and sat down across from her. After she had eaten her fruit Mrs. White took up the envelope that was postmarked Provincetown and studied it while Trude waited. "Why, that's from Laura Craig--a cousin of mine. I remember now she said she was going to study in a summer school on Cape Cod. I hope the girl's getting on. She's dependent upon her own labor." As she spoke she spread out the sheet. A sketch dropped to the table.