Eleanor, who is your age, had been very ill and the doctor ordered her
to Denver because of the wonderful air. Her sister, who is about my
age, accompanied her. The father, Mr. Maynard, engaged me to tutor
Eleanor, or Nolla we call her, during her stay in Denver, as she was
backward in lessons.

"We three became very good friends and when the girls went back to
Chicago, I missed their companionship very much. I had a letter from
the father last week, asking me to find a mountain resort for this
summer where he could send the girls, as Nolla needs the invigorating
air and simple life of the Rockies. She is organically sound but not
strong enough to stand city air and life.

"Mr. Maynard has been through the Bear Forks country and when I wrote
suggesting a ranch there, he immediately wired me to settle the matter
at once. To-day I had a letter from the mother who cannot go with her
daughters for the summer, so she asked me to go with them, more as a
friend and adviser than as a tutor. My expenses will be paid, and my
salary for tutoring Nolla will be a blessing to help Paul through his
third year's term of the college course.

"I know your brother is away with Tom Latimer on some practice work
with a survey crew, so his room is vacant this summer. Then too, I was
told by John that you had a small spare room back of the kitchen, so
that three girls could have comfortable quarters. If, by any chance,
your mother would consent to take us in for the summer, I could help
you with your preparatory lessons for High School next term, at the
same time that I coach Nolla. And I will agree for myself and the two
girls that we will not expect any other than your usual home-life.