"How strange it all is! Your Uncle Bryan is immensely rich.

He has no children and no family; his health is failing." She seemed able to get no further.
"Well, what is it, mother ?" asked Sheila again.
For an instant Mrs.Llyn hesitated; then she put the letter into Sheila's hands.
"Read it, my child," she said.

"It's for you as much as for me--indeed, more for you than for me." Sheila took the letter.

It ran as follows: DEAREST SISTER: It is eleven years since I wrote to you, and yet, though it may seem strange, there have not been eleven days in all that time in which I have not wished you and Sheila were here.

Sheila--why, she is a young woman! She's about the age you were when I left Ireland, and you were one of the most beautiful and charming creatures God ever gave life to.