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No -- East 72d Street, Dec 28

Milly and I have just co whiteaway in htful thing has happened; I'h she is really Ma's cousin--and she has asked me to spend the rest of the winter here

So I've really left the den And I didn't deserve it Why, when Mrs Baker invited me to dinner on Christmas day, I dreaded the visit I hadn't seen her since I came from the West, and I wondered what she'd think of me, and what she'd write to Mother If Pa and Ma could see me noould they say their little Nelly'd "filled out well-favoured?"

What would they say to , when I read the home letters, I felt as if I had betrayed my parents' confidence, as if I'd robbed the into such a lovely creature Then I laughed; they won'tnose And then I cried, alone off with Pros; and so far away and so happy, and a good deal troubled with it all; for John had sent , and I knew I should find hier to see whether I wore them

John's such a proble to think, and trying to let down the heood dress; and every fewthe rainbow lights that flashed and paled in the heart of the stone, and s because John had chosen an opal; I wonder if he knows it's the gem of the beautiful woman

In the end I let it stay on my hand, of course, for, after all, I suppose I am betrothed to him

So it happened that I was almost late for dinner at the Bakers', and quite late when I really got inside the house; for I walked past the door two or three ti the bell When I finally ran up the steps, my u offfast with dread and expectation; I was sure no one would know me