The three other windows formed arched niches, apparently cut through the
book-shelves; and in one was a comfortable knee-hole desk, containing
all the paraphernalia of a literary worker; while in the others were the
most seductive of reading-chairs, with book-rests attached.
She had been sitting one day, smiling and crying alternately over "Bleak
House," when a sudden thought brought her to an upright position,--why
not invite Miss Prue to visit her? When would she ever again be so
fortunately situated to entertain her pleasantly?
"I'll do it at once!" she said, rising briskly; "Molly will be as
delighted as I with the idea, for she has often wished Miss Prue could
see how well off we are;" and not giving her resolution time to cool,
she seated herself before the desk and wrote the invitation.
It was promptly accepted; and a week later Morton met at the station,
and conveyed home, a rather old little figure, with the traditional
band-box and bird-cage in hand.
"Here we are!" she cried merrily to the waiting girls on the piazza.
"Both the spinsters, you see, for Polly and I are too old to be
separated!" and, setting down the cage, she proceeded to embrace each
pretty young creature with motherly warmth, Polly meanwhile remarking
hoarsely,--
"How d'ye do? Go 'long! Come again! Oh, you fools!" at which Sam, the
gardener, appeared wonderingly around the corner of the house.
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