Presently the mail was brought in , and there was a rush to the table , followed by exclamations of satisfaction or disappointment . In a few minutes the room was almost deserted . Only two girls remained : Carol Golden , who had dropped into a big chair to read her many letters ; and Ruth Mannering , who had not received any and had gone silently back to her part of the window . Presently Carol gave a little cry of delight . Her mother had written that she might invite any friend she wished home with her to spend the holidays . Carol had asked for this permission , and now that it had come was ready to dance for joy . As to whom she would ask , there could be only one answer to that . Of course it must be her particular friend , Maud Russell , who was the cleverest and prettiest girl at Oaklawn , at least so her admirers said . She was undoubtedly the richest , and was the acknowledged `` leader . '' The girls affectionately called her `` Princess , '' and Carol adored her with that romantic affection that is found only among school girls . She knew , too , that Maud would surely accept her invitation because she did not intend to go home . Her parents were travelling in Europe , and she expected to spend her holidays with some cousins , who were almost strangers to her . Carol was so much pleased that she felt as if she must talk to somebody , so she turned to Ruth . `` Is n't it delightful to think that we 'll all be going home in a fortnight ? '' `` Yes , very -- for those that have homes to go to , '' said Ruth drearily . Carol felt a quick pang of pity and self-reproach . `` Have n't you ? '' she asked . Ruth shook her head . In spite of herself , the kindness of Carol 's tone brought the tears to her eyes .
`` My mother died a year ago , '' she said XXXXX a trembling voice , `` and since then I have had no real home .
Of among at because for in into that to with