"There is time yet," said John; "don't be a fidget, Alice. Is Minnie going to take her beloved baby?"
"Of course I am. Do you suppose I'm such a bad mamma that I should neglect my children?"
John laughed merrily. "Sometimes mothers like to show them off; that's one way, you know. Minnie."
"Well, you're not a mother, so you can't judge," answered Minnie saucily.
"Oh, that's it! Very well. But if you don't mind, I'll play 'father;' and see if you don't find the tables are turned."
John shook his head so comically that Minnie hugged her new treasure closer, and retired behind Agnes, who said:
"You may trust John, Minnie; he will not do you or Dolly any harm."
"But I don't like being teased," said Minnie, looking shy; "I'd a great deal rather not, please John."
Just then Hugh came in, looking very fresh and nice, and the girls threw on their shawls and went in next door, bonnetless for once.
As they all crowded up their grandmama's steps, John felt a twitch at his coat, and Hugh's voice whispered: