She seized the corner of the envelope with thumb and finger. She
drew it out. Its length surprised her. It was a long, official
looking envelope, not bulky but most important looking. In the
upper left-hand corner was printed:

ADAIR MACKENZIE & CO.
STOCKS AND BONDS
MEMPHIS

It was properly stamped and addressed to her mother. By the
postmark on it Nan knew it must have been tucked under the door
by the postman more than a week before. Somehow he had failed to
ring their bell when he left the letter. The missing tack in the
edge of the hall carpet had allowed the document to slide out of
sight, and it might have been hidden for weeks longer had chance
not shown the small corner of straw-colored paper to Nan.

She felt breathless. Her knees trembled. Somehow, Nan just KNEW
that the letter from her mother's cousin must be of enormous
importance. She set her broom in the corner and closed the door.
It was fated that she should do no more sweeping that day.

Chapter V
GREAT EXPECTATIONS

Mr. Sherwood, in overalls and an old cap, had been sifting
cinders out behind the shed. They had to be careful of fuel as
well as of most other things. Momsey would not open the long
envelope until he had been called and had come in. Nan still