Then he discussed the subject with a scornful sniff and the stubborn declaration that there was a mistake somewhere which would some day be explained.
But his confidence was shaken, that was plain, and his optimism assumed.
He and Mrs.Barnes avoided discussion of John Kendrick and his affairs.
Thankful read and reread the letter from Emily Howes.

The news it contained was so good that she forgot entirely the fact that there was another envelope in the mail.

Only when, as she sprang to her feet to rush out into the yard and tell Georgie that his plea for an extension of his visit was granted, was her attention called to this second letter.

It fell from her lap to the floor and she stooped and picked it up.
The first thing she noticed was that the envelope was in a remarkably crumpled and dirty condition.

It looked as if it had been carried in a pocket--and a not too clean pocket--for many days.