"Baby, baby, 'Larry an' me is buildin'?'"
Gladys shook her fluffy head impatiently.
"I haven't got any time to bovver. I'm velly busy."
Helen laughed, and dropping down upon the floor, began to lend a helping hand. Gladys sank back on her heels with a complacent sigh.
"Build a booful one, sister, big as this," raising her arms high over her head.
Helen nodded, but paused from her task, block in hand, to give a glance at Willie.
"Put down your book, dearie," she said to him. "This is the worst possible light to read in. You will ruin your eyes."
Willie heaved a sigh as he closed the precious book and, stretching himself after his cramped position, rose slowly to his feet, and joined the group before the fire. Flinging himself down near Helen, he laid his head in her lap. She patted his little round face affectionately, and went on with her castle-building.
The setting sun had broken through the clouds, and a flood of yellow light streamed through the western windows. From the huge logs in the fireplace an increasing volume of flames roared up the chimney, its ruddy glow illuminating the eager faces of the children, intent on every movement of their sister's deft hands. The truly wonderful house of blocks was nearing completion when Jean came quietly into the room. For a moment she stood silent in the shadowy doorway contemplating the pretty scene with wistful eyes. As she approached more nearly she unconsciously echoed Helen's words of a few moments past.
"Well, you look very happy, all of you."