The child bounded to her side. She took him by the hand, and stood looking down into his upturned face, as she asked—"Master Theodore, how would you like to have a brother?"
"A brother!" echoed the child, in surprise.
"Yes. She—Mrs. Barton—your father's new wife, has a little boy about your age."
"Will he come here?" Theodore asked quickly.
"Yes, certainly he will."
"But this is not his home!"
"No, my dear, of course it's not. It's your home, Master Theodore, and no one shall interfere with you, I promise that. There," soothingly, "don't get cross. You're Jane's own dear, good boy, her little master, her—"
"Master Theodore," interposed John anxiously, "don't you think you would like a boy to play with? I know you would. Of course Mrs. Barton will bring her little son here; and I expect she'll want you to show him about the place, and be kind to him. He'll be lonesome at first, and a bit shy—"
"Boys are not shy," Theodore said decisively.
"Some are; this one is sure to be among strangers."