"Yes, don't forget," said Magnus ironically. "Charge your memory, and tie a red string round every finger. Then tell 'em the first minute they meet you at the station, mother, and have it off your mind."
"You are a very saucy boy," said Mrs. Kindred, trying to look grave.
"West Point is a developing place, as some wise M. C. said last June. Have the girls grown, mother? How tall is Cherry?"
"Grown a little, I think, in several ways. Every day I see her, I think she could not be sweeter—and then the next day I think she is," said Mrs. Kindred warmly.
"Bless her dear heart!" Magnus remarked under breath.
"Sometimes I think she works too hard," said Mrs. Kindred. "I really believe that child carries a book in her pocket, and studies every chance she gets. She has coaxed the other girls into a sort of class, and for two hours every day they study together."
"Good for her!" said Magnus; "good for 'em all. Studies are extremely developing. I wish I could send 'em all mine. I think I have grown enough."
"I suppose you carry a book in your pocket, too," said Mrs. Kindred, taking her turn at the irony.
"Haven't got one," said Magnus; "or doubtless I should. The books are on hand, but the pocket is wanting."
"No pocket?"