"You had better let the old man alone, Cora. Or you'll have your head bitten off. I don't want to break the fifth commandment by saying anything irreverent of our grandfather, but indeed, indeed, indeed it is as much as one's life, or at least as one's temper, is worth to speak to him," said the young man.
"I never reverenced my grandfather as much as I do now, Sylvan," gravely replied the young lady.
"That is all right! Reverence him as much as you please; but don't go too near the old lion in his present mood. Come and sit down on the sofa by me, sister, and let us have a pleasant talk—"
"Pleasant talk! Oh, Sylvan!"
"Well, then, Cora, dear sister, a cozy, confidential talk. Do you know we have not had one for years and years and years?"
They sat down side by side holding each other's hands in silence for a little while, when Cora said:
"Do you think you will graduate next year, Sylvan?"
"Yes, Cora, certainly."
"And then you will come home for a long visit."
"For a short one, on leave."