“You didn't think much of her at one time, did you?”
Steve was gravely shocked and promptly poked remonstrance into the glowing coals.
“Well, you were rather discouraged about her—you know that,” persisted Brownie.
Steve looked ashamed, but he was honest enough to nod slightly.
“And now you see there isn't a less wearisome, a nicer, brighter——”
Here Steve interrupted by stabbing the fire's front in a manner betokening the heartiest concurrence.
Just at this point the subject of these thrusts entered the room.
“No, you don't, Steve—no, sir. You shan't even have a squint till I get to the fire.”
And carefully covering Miss Baby from view, Nannie sidled along to her chair.
“Now! Ask daddy what he thinks of Miss Loveland!” she exclaimed, dropping all disguises suddenly and holding the pretty little creature up in the firelight.