"I have had a letter. The impudence of the woman, writing to me! Now, Vesta, don't look at me in that way, for you have some sense, if not much, and you know perfectly well it was impudent. Folderol! don't tell me! her dear aunt, indeed! I'll dear-aunt her, if she tries to set foot in this house." Miss Vesta's puzzled brow cleared. "Oh," she said, "I see, Aunt Marcia. You also have had a letter from Maria." "Read it!" said Mrs. Tree. "I'd take it up with the tongs, if I were you." Miss Vesta did not think it necessary to obey this injunction, but unfolded the square of scented paper which her aunt indicated, and read as follows: "MY DEAR AUNT:--I was much grieved to hear of poor Phoebe's death. It seems very strange that I was not informed of her illness; being her own first cousin, it would have been natural and gratifying for me to have shared the last sad hours with you and Vesta; but malice is no part of my nature, and I am quite ready to overlook the neglect. You and Vesta must miss Phoebe sadly, and be very lonely, and I feel it a duty that I must not shirk to come and show you both that to _me_, at least, blood is thicker than water. One drop of Darracott blood, I always say, is enough to establish a claim on me. It is a long time since I have been in Elmerton, and I should like above all things to bring my two sweet girls, to show them their mother's early home, and present them to their venerable relation. I think you would find them _not inferior_, to say the least, to some others who have been more put forward to catch the eye. A violet by a mossy stone has always been _my_ idea of a young woman. However, my daughters' engagements are so numerous, and they are so much _sought after_, that it will be impossible for me to bring them at present; later I shall hope to do so. I propose to divide my visit _impartially_ between you and poor Vesta, but shall go to her first, being the one in affliction, since such we are bidden to visit. "Looking forward with great pleasure to my visit with you, and hoping that this may find you in the enjoyment of such a measure of health as your advanced years may allow, I am, my dear Aunt, "Your affectionate niece, "MARIA DARRACOTT PRYOR." "When you have finished it, you may put it into the fire," said Mrs. Tree. "Bah! what did she say to you? Cat! I don't mean you, Vesta."