"A handful of good life is worth a bushel of learning."
"Dear Emily,--I have a brilliant idea, and at once hasten to share it with you. Three weeks
ago I came up here to the wilds of Vermont to visit my old aunt, also to get a little quiet
and distance in which to survey certain new prospects which have opened before me, and
to decide whether I will marry a millionnaire and become a queen of society, or remain
'the charming Miss Vaughan' and wait till the conquering hero comes.
"Aunt Plumy begs me to stay over Christmas, and I have consented, as I always dread the
formal dinner with which my guardian celebrates the day.
"My brilliant idea is this. I'm going to make it a real old-fashioned frolic, and won't you
come and help me? You will enjoy it immensely I am sure, for Aunt is a character.
Cousin Saul worth seeing, and Ruth a far prettier girl than any of the city rose-buds
coming out this season. Bring Leonard Randal along with you to take notes for his new
books; then it will be fresher and truer than the last, clever as it was.
"The air is delicious up here, society amusing, this old farmhouse full of treasures, and
your bosom friend pining to embrace you. Just telegraph yes or no, and we will expect
you on Tuesday.
"They will both come, for they are as tired of city life and as fond of change as I am,"
said the writer of the above, as she folded her letter and went to get it posted without
delay.
Aunt Plumy was in the great kitchen making pies; a jolly old soul, with a face as ruddy as
a winter apple, a cheery voice, and the kindest heart that ever beat under a gingham
gown. Pretty Ruth was chopping the mince, and singing so gaily as she worked that the
four-and-twenty immortal blackbirds could not have put more music into a pie than she
did. Saul was piling wood into the big oven, and Sophie paused a moment on the
threshold to look at him, for she always enjoyed the sight of this stalwart cousin, whom
she likened to a Norse viking, with his fair hair and beard, keen blue eyes, and six feet of
manly height, with shoulders that looked broad and strong enough to bear any burden.
His back was toward her, but he saw her first, and turned his flushed face to meet her,
with the sudden lighting up it always showed when she approached.
"I've done it, Aunt; and now I want Saul to post the letter, so we can get a speedy
answer."
