"You have sent Rachel a ring,--a pearl ring; you didn't tell me, but I
know. I have seen her kiss it. (Does this please you?) I happened to
find it yesterday, while rummaging her box for the buttonhole scissors.
(She sent me there.) Said I,--'Oh, what a pretty ring! Why don't you
wear it?' I never thought till I had spoken; but then I knew in a
minute, by her looking so red. She said she'd a reason for thinking it
would not be quite right to wear it,--said perhaps she would tell
sometime. It was last night I saw her kiss it, when she thought I was
asleep,--we sleep in the same room. She tried it on her finger, but took
it right off again, sighing, and looking so sad that I don't know what I
should have done, had I not known how it was all coming out right pretty
soon.--Aunt Huldah is completely entangled in my web. She has come into
it with her sharp eyes wide open! She likes Rachel,--says she always
knows where to _take hold_, and makes no fuss about doing things. She
gets her to read the chapter, because she says she likes the sound of
her voice. There is not only _sound_, but _feeling_ in her voice, and
that is what aunt means; but you know she never says _all_ she
means,--she isn't one of the kind. Rachel is always doing little things
for her, and bringing home bunches of sweet-fern and everlasting. Even
if my plan upsets now, much will be gained,--for aunt can't get back her
liking, I have found a dear friend, and Rachel a good place. Your name
has been mentioned, but only as Charley. I am in daily fear that aunt
will allude to your school, though, to be sure, she is not at all
communicative, (girls having brothers in college should use a big word
now and then,) but we are getting so well acquainted that I begin to
shake in my shoes. But the mornings are busy, the noons are short, and
you know aunt always goes to bed with the hens. My dread is of
_callers_,--not just the neighbors running in, but the _regulars_. It is
so natural for them to say, 'How is your nephew?'--not that they care
for you, except as being something to talk about."