She laid the letter on a small shelf of an old hatrack, and stepped back to her room to put on her hat.

Her return was so immediate that Mrs.Holt had the letter in her fingers when Kate came back, and was reading the address so intently, that with extended hand, the girl said in cold tones: "My letter, please!" before the woman realized she was there.

Their eyes met in a level look.

Mrs.
Holt's mouth opened in ready excuse, but this time Kate's temper overcame her better judgment.
"Can you read it clearly, without your glasses ?" she asked politely.
"I wouldn't for the world have you make a mistake as to whom my letter is addressed.

It goes to my brother Hiram Bates, youngest son of Adam Bates, Bates Corners, Hartley, Indiana." "I was going to give it to my son, so that he could take it to the office," said Mrs.Holt.
"And I am going to take it myself, as I know your son is down town and I want it to go over on the evening hack, so it will be sure to go out early in the morning." Surprise overcame Mrs.Holt's discomfiture.
"Land sakes!" she cried.