But I can only consent conditionally, for poor unfortunate Anna is down with measles, and is very unwell, poor child.

I have not spoken to your aunt yet about your plan, for she is too worried about Anna, and some other matters, to bear any more agitation.

If Betty and Tony do not develop measles, and I am taking every precaution to prevent its spreading, the house will be free of infection and safe for you all to come to; but should they develop it--well, it does no good to climb our hills before we reach them, and we will not anticipate any such blow.

When Anna is free from infection and able to travel, her mother will take her to the sea for a thorough bracing up.

I am sure you will understand how things are at present, and make the best of them if they should not turn out as you wish." Poor Kitty! She saw at once that what her father tried not to anticipate was the possibility of her not being able to come home at all for the holidays, nor Dan either; and how could one help climbing such a hill before one came to it, or at least standing at its foot and gazing anxiously up its rough, stony sides?
"I do think Anna was born to aggravate," she said crossly, but a few moments later her anger against her cooled.