"They're letters from Melbourne, Aunt Kezia! Mother is quite well and
strong--quite brown and well and strong!"
"I am glad to hear it, but surely you could have read them after
breakfast."
The gaiety was quenched momentarily by the sheer force of the surprise
that invaded them. Silence reigned, while their thoughts worked rapidly
over the waiting of the last months--the impatient suspense of the last
days, as the time drew near the date on which they had calculated they
could get their first Australian mail. Nell eyed Miss Kezia with a hint
of soberness in her face.