Benny looked at rosy little Jennie and sighed.
“What makes you so solemn?” she asked. “What are you thinking about?”
“I was wishing my little sister was as rosy and round as you are, and had such nice pink cheeks,” replied Benny.
Jennie laughed, and then she asked, “Why, is she sick?”
“Yes, kind of sick. She never was very strong. The doctor says she ought to live in the country.”
Jennie’s round face took on a serious look, and presently she went up to her father and whispered something. “That must be as your mother says,” he answered, giving a snap to the string with which he was tying up Benny’s packages.
“Can you manage all these packages and your bundle?” he asked the boy.
“Oh, yes,” said Benny. “These things aren’t heavy, and my bundle hasn’t much in it. I can easily take them all.”
“Sorry you can’t stay to tea,” said Mr. Welch. “Come over and spend Sunday with us; can’t you?”
“I should like to,” replied Benny, delightedly.