If only the sisters would allow her to get away soon after dinner! It was Virginia who opened the door to her, and embraced and kissed her with wonted fondness.
'You are nice and early! Poor Alice has been in bed since the day before yesterday; a dreadful cold and one of her very worst headaches.
But I think she is a little better this morning.' Alice--a sad spectacle--was propped up on pillows.
'Don't kiss me, darling,' she said, in a voice barely audible.

'You mustn't risk getting a sore throat.

How well you look!' 'I'm afraid she doesn't look _well_,' corrected Virginia; 'but perhaps she has a little more colour than of late.

Monica, dear, as Alice can hardly' use her voice, I will speak for both of us, and wish you many, many happy returns of the day.

And we ask you to accept this little book from us.