`` It wo n't do any harm to ask her , '' said George . In the end , Charlotte wrote to Elizabeth and asked her to let her daughter visit the old homestead . The letter was written and mailed in much perplexity and distrust when once the glow of momentary enthusiasm in the new idea had passed . `` What if Elizabeth 's child is like her father ? '' queried Charlotte in a half-whisper . `` Let us hope she wo n't be ! '' cried Ellen fervently . Indeed , she felt that a feminine edition of James Sheldon would be more than she could endure . `` She may not like us , or our ways , '' sighed Charlotte . `` We do n't know how she has been brought up . She will seem like a stranger after all . I really long to see Elizabeth 's child , but I ca n't help fearing we have done a rash thing , Ellen . '' `` Perhaps she may not come , '' suggested Ellen , wondering whether she hoped it or feared it . But Worth Sheldon did come . Elizabeth wrote back a prompt acceptance , with no trace of the proud bitterness that had permeated her answer to the former invitation . The Ingelows at the Grange were thrown into a flutter when the letter came . In another week Elizabeth 's child would be with them . `` If only she is n't like her father , '' said Charlotte with foreboding , as she aired and swept the southeast spare room for their expected guest . They had three spare rooms at the Grange , but the aunts had selected the southeast one for their niece because it was done in white , `` and white seems the most appropriate for a young girl , '' Ellen said , as she arranged a pitcher of wild roses on the table . `` I think everything is ready , '' announced Charlotte .
`` I put the very finest sheets XXXXX the bed , they smell deliciously of lavender , and we had very good luck doing up the muslin curtains .
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