"Devotedly yours,
"ALICIA."

"What does she mean by a secret reason for your going?" asked Dolly.

"I haven't an idea," replied Bernice. "My father knows, though, I'm
quite sure, 'cause he smiled at that part of Alicia's letter. But he
wouldn't tell me. He only said, 'Oh, pshaw, nothing of any
consequence. It's very natural that a lonely old bachelor uncle should
want to see his little girl nieces, and it's very kind and thoughtful
of him to ask you to bring friends.' He says Uncle Jeff is not fond of
company, and spends all his time by himself. He's a scientist or
naturalist or something, and works in his study all day. So, dad says,
it'll be fine for us girls to have four of us to be company for each
other."

"It's gorgeous!" sighed Dotty, in an ecstasy of anticipation. "But
what does your cousin mean by bringing a lot of money? We can't do
that,--and our parents don't let us spend much money ourselves,
anyway."

"Oh, that'll be all right," said Bernice, carelessly. "We won't need
much money. And if we go to matinees, or anything like that, of
course, I'll pay, if Uncle Jeff doesn't. You two girls are my guests,
you know. You needn't take any money at all."

"All right," said Dolly, and dismissed the subject. Money did not
figure very largely in her affairs, as, except for a small allowance
for trifles, she never handled any. Nor did Dotty, as these two were
still looked upon as children by their parents.