"What is it, aunty? I can't think of any thing that I want."
"It is the best present you ever had, my dear," said the lady, smiling.
"O, I guess it's a watch," cried Frankie, in an animated tone.
"No, it's a little brother," said aunty; "a darling baby brother."
Nelly opened wide her bright blue eyes, and then gave a scream of joy. It was well they were just riding up the avenue to the house, or they might not have been able to keep the excited child in the carriage.
"Where's my baby? Where's my brother?" she called out, running up the steps and into the front door.
Fortunately her father was in the library. He came quickly to the door to welcome Nelly and his friends.
She could scarcely stop to give him a kiss, before she said, "I want to see my baby, papa—where is it?"
"Run very softly up in the nursery," said the gentleman, laughing at her impatience. "You will find it there with Maria."
Nelly darted up the stairs, and was presently kneeling on the floor by the cradle which held the tiny form of the baby. When her aunt gently followed her into the room, she saw her, with flushed cheeks and wondering eyes, still gazing at the sleeping babe.