"Brothers have to be treated judiciously," she said.
"'Judiciously,' Olga. Why, what on earth do you mean? How could you love a brave fellow like Alexis injudiciously?"
"Love is often best when it is most injudicious," said I, sententiously, coming to Olga's rescue; but she betrayed me shamefully. Looking innocently at me she asked:—
"Would you like us to be a pair of injudicious lovers, then, Alexis?"
"If I never shew more lack of judgment than in my love for you, I shall get well through life, Olga," I retorted.
"You are certainly a most unusual brother, I can tell you," she said, smiling slily.
"If every brother had such a sister, the tie that binds us two would be a much more usual one," I answered.
"You are incorrigible," she laughed and turned away.
"I am glad you speak so seriously, Alexis," said my aunt. "I'll be no party to any deception. She does love you, boy, however much she may try to hide it when you are here;" and with this, which set us both laughing again, the old lady went away.
"Does she?" I asked; and the question brought Olga with a happy look into my arms.