Now, in those days telegrams were not quite as common as they are now. In the first place, they cost a shilling instead of sixpence, which made a vast difference in their number.  Kitty's face turned slightly pale, she gripped the telegram, shook little Dolly off her lap, stood up, and, turning her back to the girls, proceeded to open it.  Her slim, long fingers shook a little as she did so.  She soon had the envelope torn asunder and had taken out the pink sheet within.  She unfolded it and read the words.  As she did so her face turned very white.  "Is the messenger waiting for an answer?" she said, turning to Dolly.