like when she first went overseas, it came as a surprise to her girlfriends,” Alvin said. He stood up to make room on the sofa. I settled in. Gussie and Mrs. Parnell's cat got as close as they could.

      Alvin waved a letter in front of me. “This one's from Hazel. Just read it.” I capitulated.

      “That wasn't so bad, was it? You can't help smiling, can you?” Alvin said when I'd finished.

      “She seems so full of fun.”

      “The other friend is more serious. I guess it takes all kinds,” Alvin said.

      I held out my hand. “Okay, fine, let's see the rest. The ones with Canadian postmarks.”

      Alvin said, “So we have Hazel who stayed in Chesterton and Betty Connaught who went to Toronto. There was a bit of competition for Violet's friendship, I think. The letters are pretty upbeat, even though they talk about people dying overseas. I can't imagine that. Violet's fiancé didn't die, although I feel like killing him.”

      “You read his letter?”

      “It was an accident,” Alvin said, radiating innocence.

      Twenty minutes later, I had read enough of the letters to get a sense of Mrs. Parnell's life and friends. I had plenty to think about and lots of questions. I also had an idea.