She wasn't really our aunt, was she?
Did she write the letter ?" "Yes, she did, my dear, and invites you and Sophie to spend the summer with her.

You don't dislike her so much as to refuse, I suppose, do you ?" "O papa!" exclaimed his daughter, deprecatingly; for the old gentleman had spoken rather in a tone of reproof.

"I'm sure she's as kind and good as she can be; I was only telling what I especially remembered about her, you know.

How did she come to think of us after so long ?" "I used to know her quite well, long before you were born, my dear," replied the professor, tapping with his fingers on the arm of the chair; "and at that time I should not have been surprised at her offering me any kindness.

I _am_ surprised now," he added, with a good deal of feeling; "she's a better friend than I thought." Cornelia remained silent for several moments, because, not in the least comprehending what sort of ground her papa was walking on, she feared that the questions and remarks she was anxious to advance might jar with his mood.