“Certainly, Emma. I have plenty of time. Wait; take my hand while we cross the street, you must be careful, or you may be run over.”
“I wait for the policeman generally,” said the little girl. “I should be afraid to cross alone.”
“You are quite right to be careful.”
The little girl took his hand confidingly, and together they crossed the City Hall Park. It was a new sensation to Gilbert to have the charge of a little girl. He had always been thrown among boys, and, never having had a sister, was very ignorant of girls, and the tastes of girls. For the first time, as he held Emma’s hand, it occurred to him that he would like to have a little sister, whom he could pet and protect.
As he was crossing the Park, he met his successor, John, sauntering along at a snail’s pace. John had been sent out on an errand, but had fallen into his old way of loitering and wasting the time which belonged to his employer. When he caught sight of Gilbert he started in surprise at his young companion.
“Hallo, Greyson!” he said, by way of opening a conversation.
“Good-morning,” said Gilbert, coldly.
“Is that your sister?” asked John, looking hard at Emma.
“No,” answered Gilbert, shortly.
“Ho, ho!” laughed John. “I understand.”