"I talked mamma over the very first day after my return, and then there was nothing more to be done than to talk over Mr.Sheldon.Of course there was just a little difficulty in that, for he is so awfully practical; and he wanted to know why I wanted a companion, and what _use_ you would be in the house; as if the very last thing one required in a companion was companionship.

I'm almost afraid to tell you the iniquitous fables I invented about your extreme usefulness; your genius for millinery, and the mints of money you would save by making up mamma's flimsy little caps; your taste for dress-making, &c.

&c.

&c.

You _are_ the cleverest creature in the world, you know, Di; for you must remember how you altered, that green silk dress for me when Miss Person had made me a square-shouldered fright.