"Good-evening, Stephen," said Mrs. Palmer, gravely.
"Evenin', sister Grace," said the intruder, looking about for a glimpse of the little girl, who was staring at him uneasily.
The little girl responded reluctantly.
"Where's Paul?" he asked next.
"He's gone out for a short walk."
"No matter. I don't like Paul; he puts on airs. He doesn't treat me with the respect due to a—hic—older brother."
"Paul's a good boy," said Grace, rather indignantly; for, though timid, she was always ready to rush to the defense of her favorite brother.
"Hey! what's that? No impudence, little chicken. Don't you know I'm your brother, and more than twice as old as you?"
Grace was about to reply, but her mother gave her a warning glance.