ing has happened. It is
so unexpected that it quite puts out of my head a great deal which has
made me anxious up to the present. I have received a letter from no
less a person than Sir John Wallis, the distinguished owner of that
magnificent place, Cherry Court Park, and he has invited me, my
darling, to be present at the moment of your great triumph. He says,
which I regret very much, that your Aunt Susan will also be there, but
I am asked as your guest, my child. It is all most wonderful,
unexpected, and truly fascinating. The effect on the neighbors is
already so surprising that I have literally not been obliged to provide
myself with a single meal since the news came. The Pratts have invited
me each morning to breakfast, and Ann Pratt has assiduously catechized
me, so much so that I have found an ancient book on the 'baronial halls
of England, and have worked up some information for her benefit from
this volume. I never saw anyone so eager as the creature is to find
out Sir John's income and all about him. It is extraordinary, but
still quite human nature.

"Sukey is wonderfully affected since the news came, and in fact right
and left your poor Mummy is quite an honored individual.

"I feel like a heroine, my darling, and walk about Dawlish with my head
well up. I am also quite extravagant, and am wearing that dress which
I described to you as being turned for the fifth time. It is reckless
of me, but I cannot help it. For what do you think, dear?--Sir John
has sent me a check for my expenses. He says that he could not
possibly ask me to be present if I were put to any expense in the
matter, and he has absolutely sent me twenty pounds; so I shall be able
to buy a suitable costume to be present in when I see my darling
crowned with glory.

"Oh, what a supreme moment it will be! I have already got the black
silk, and Miss Macgregor, in the Parade--you know what a fashionable
dressmaker she is--is making it up. I shall, of course, wear my
widow's bonnet, as it looks so _distingue_, and Mrs. Sweat, the
milliner in the High Street, is making up a new one, most stylish.

"I can add no more now. My heart goes pit-a-pat. When you receive
this I shall be packing for my journey. It will be splendid to see
Susan in the moment of your triumph. Altogether, dear, I never felt
more elated in my life. This great and unexpected excitement has
perfectly restored my health. I say to myself--you know, Flo, I al