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Rh anything for her, but to write a civil letter and give her a civil reception, I think I have a right to take my own way in the matter."

"I don't think a civil letter would satisfy you," said Edith, "nothing less than a gushing welcome like your own could come up to your expectations, so I will let it alone. Write your own letter;. perhaps by the time the young lady arrives aunt and I will grow accustomed to the ' idea, and be able to satisfy you with our reception of her. If not, thank goodness we too are independent and can ﬁnd another residence."

"I hope you may not have cause to regret your determination," said aunt Anne.

"I am not at all afraid," said Anthony.

"I suppose you would like us to call on this Mrs. George Copeland to thank her for her kindness to our sister," said Edith.

"No," said Anthony, shortly, "I have thanked her, and that is quite enough. I do not care to trouble you about a matter that appears to be quite personal to myself. Besides you are not to be trusted to do a gracious thing graciously."

If Jessie Copeland had heard the conversation which was held by Amy's brother and sister and their aunt, with regard to her favourite little friend, she would have regretted still more the revelations she had made. Although Mr.