"She is going to be my little sister, mother," said Dan, gayly.
"Will you be my mother?" said Althea, releasing Dan's hand, and putting her own confidingly in that of Mrs. Mordaunt.
"Yes, my dear," said the widow, her heart quite won by the little girl's innocent confidence, and she bent over and kissed her.
"What does it all mean, Dan?" she asked, in bewilderment.
"It means that Althea is to board with us, and be company for you. I have agreed with her aunt that you will take her."
"But does her aunt know that we live in such a poor place?" asked his mother in a tone of hesitation.
"Yes, mother, but that makes no difference, as we shall move up town to-morrow."
"I am sure you have acted for the best, Dan, but it seems so strange."
"Will it seem strange to receive fifty dollars a month for Althea's board?" asked Dan.