"Ah, but I fear it will be beyond my power to repay all you are expending on your foolish little sis! You are growing thin and pale, brother, and you have none of the joyous spring and laughter with which you used to chase my pretty fawns away up there on the green shores of Tennessee."
"I am older and graver now, Winnie; besides, I often think of our dear mother, sleeping there in death's embrace, and of our being orphans in the wide world."
"O, it is very sad, brother!" said the young girl, bursting into tears.
"Do not weep so bitterly," said Wayland, endeavoring to soothe her grief; "you said there were two things you did not like. I have dispensed with one; now tell me the other."
"O, never mind that now!" said Winnie, quickly; "assist me in my Algebra lesson, there's a good brother."
"Yes, after you have told me what I have asked."
"Well, it is a foolish thing, you will say. You know Jack Camford?"
"Yes; do you?" inquired Wayland in surprise.
"He comes to our school this term," said Winnie, demurely.
"And he is the other thing you do not like, is he?"