The white-haired lady was waiting for them on the porch as they came
back along the street.

"Won't you come in, just for a minute?" she asked, smiling kindly at
them. "My maid has just baked a chocolate cake, and I don't believe your
mother would mind if you each had a piece."

"Oh, no'm--she wouldn't mind at all!" said Bert quickly.

"We like chocolate cake," said Nan, "but we didn't go to the post-office
for that!"

"Bless your heart, child, I know you didn't!" laughed their new friend.
"Please come in!"

The chocolate cake was all Bert and Nan hoped it would be, and besides
that Miss Pompret set out on the table for them each a glass of milk.
They looked around the beautiful but old-fashioned room, noting the dark
mahogany furniture, the cut glass on the side-board, and, over in one
corner, a glass cupboard, through the clear doors of which could be seen
some china dishes.

Miss Pompret saw Nan looking at this set of china, and the elderly lady
smiled as she said:

"Isn't it beautiful?"

"Yes," said Nan, softly. "I love pretty dishes."

"And these are my greatest treasure," said Miss Pompret. "I am very