The lady looked up with a little start as she heard the approaching footsteps, and then rose with extended hand,—
"Theodore!" said she kindly. "I am very glad to see you; and so grown! You are much taller than in the spring."
"Yes, ma'am: I believe so. I don't think I shall grow much more," said Teddy, swallowing a great bunch in his throat that almost suffocated him.
"No? Why, you are not so very old, are you?" asked Mrs. Legrange, smiling a little.
"Nearly eighteen, ma'am."
"Oh, well! time enough for a good deal of growth, bodily and mental, yet. So you have been at the West?"
"Yes, ma'am, and have heard some curious things there,—some things that I think will interest you. Have you ever thought of adopting a little girl, ma'am?"
Mrs. Legrange sadly shook her head.
"No, Theodore: I never wished to do that. She never could be any thing like her to me, and it would seem like giving away her place. I had rather wait."
"I am sorry, ma'am; for I saw a little girl, where I have been, that
I was going to speak of."