"A little while will help. I am growing bigger every day." Jose drew his slight figure to its fullest height.
Antonio was silent.
"Did you get my post-card, Antonio?" Jose asked timidly, after a few moments.
"Yes; that is why I came home, Jose." Antonio threw his arm lovingly over the little brother's shoulder as they walked on, side by side.
"Please, oh please, do not speak about it before the others,—about my writing to you," Jose begged in a half frightened voice.
"I will not speak about it, Jose, I promise you." Antonio looked down at his brother, whom he remembered as little more than a baby. It was hard to realize that this mere child had been the head of the family for five months.
CHAPTER III
A PORTUGUESE HOME
"He was a man of single countenance,
Of frank address and simple faith."
—Francisco de Sá de Miranda.