orah?" Like Charlotte, Wayland always put Marion first.

"I don't believe Aunt Caroline would want them," she replied, smiling.

"To be sure, when she went away we didn't know them."

That others were also thinking of the shop was evident, for Miss Sarah
was now heard remarking, "You left us defenceless, Caroline, and we
surrendered soon after your departure."

"Yes, the shop has become a neighborhood institution," Judge Russell
added.

"I am more than surprised to hear _you_ say so, Judge Russell."

"But Mr. Goodman is the most remarkable convert, Mrs. Millard," said
Alex. "Just ask him his opinion of the shop."

"I do not wish to criticise, this first evening at home," Mrs. Millard
began graciously; "but as I have been telling Virginia, I cannot
understand the fascination these persons seem to have exercised over
you."

"But you know they are really charming young women," ventured Mrs.
Russell. "I objected to the shop as decidedly as any one until I found
out about them. Their popularity is not confined to this neighborhood,
and of course you know they are well connected."

"It is about that I wish to speak," interposed Mrs. Millard. "As you
may have heard, Miss Unadilla Carpenter, the half-sister of Peter
Carpenter, is a friend of my oldest sister. For years they have
corresponded; so when I heard from Virginia that these people claimed
to be related to the Philadelphia Carpenters, I took it upon myself to
write a letter of inquiry to Miss Unadilla. She was ill at the time
and some months passed before she replied. A few weeks ago I received
a letter, in a part of which you may be interested."

Mrs. Millard was evidently prepared for the occasion, for she at once
produced the paper in question.

"I shall be glad to hear it, but it can't alter my opinion of our
friends across the street," Miss Sarah said stoutly, at which remark
Miss Virginia visibly brightened.

Mrs. Millard paid no heed, but began to read. "'Of the Miss Carpenter
of whom you write I know nothing. She is not related to us. My niece,
May Carpenter, is my only connection of the name, as I am hers. Of my
niece I know little at present. Two years ago she had a long illness
which came near being fatal, since then I believe she has been abroad.
As to the young woman in question, I repeat we have no cousins.'" Mrs.
Millard looked around the circle in triumph.

"Of course," said Miss Sarah, "there are some things difficult to
explain; but the