The second letter was from Tessie, as we may have surmised, for it was written two evenings earlier, posted on the day in the evening and therefore had that evening arrived in Franklin.  With some anxiety Rose tore open the envelope, and was surprised to see how good quality of the paper upon which the letter was written.  A faint scent of perfume added to the pleasant effect, and for a moment Rose was almost bewildered at the change in Tessie’s form of correspondence.  Could she have seen the circumstances under which the note was written, however her puzzle would have been solved, for the maid’s room in the home of Jacqueline Douglass was fitted up with correct stationery for its occupant.

Scanning quickly through the brief note, Rose read that Tessie “had a wonderful place” and if only she knew how Dagmar (Rose) was getting along there would be hardly anything left to worry about.

“I have written to mother,” the note continued, and Rose marvelled at the choice of English, “and some day very soon I am going straight back to Flosston.  But there is one big thing I have to do first.” (She did not hint it was the refunding of that scout money she must attend to.) “Then, dear old chum, I am coming to have the dandiest reunion with you, you have ever dreamed of!  As you see, I have learned a lot of new words—­so maybe you won’t understand me.  Better borrow some one’s dictionary and be ready for your swell old pal—­Tessie.”

“Oh, what a lovely surprise!” Rose could not help exclaiming.  “Now I can tell Molly,” and only the fact that Molly Cosgrove had gone out early to get ready for tests prevented Rose from immediately putting that resolution into effect.

“But I won’t tell Mrs. Cosgrove first,” she decided.  “It seems more upright to confide in my scout captain.”

“You look as if some one had left you a lot of money, Rose,” Mrs. Cosgrove joked, as the girl fairly danced around, preparing for her evening at headquarters.  “Good news from home, I guess.”

“Yes, splendid!” exclaimed Rose.  “The folks are all coming back and they have promised not to bring any of the old furniture except the brasses.  You know, father’s brass candlesticks and flagon are as precious to us as family silver plate is to Americans.”

“Oh, I know.  Molly is always trying to get a samovar.  But your folks, not being Russian, do not use that sort of teapot.”

“No, ours is much simpler, but of course I think it is prettier.  Well, you know how much I thank you, Mrs. Cosgrove.  This house has been like—­like a boarding-school to me!” Rose exclaimed, her voice heavy with sincerity.

“That’s a fine idea!” and Mrs. Cosgrove laughed heartily.  “I never thought of this being a girls’ seminary, but if I wasn’t so busy with my cafeteria I might take up the question,” she concluded.  It was not yet time to inform Rose she was to be made cashier of the girls’ lunchroom, so that good news was for the moment withheld.