"She's changed," said Rupert, regarding her critically; "she's prettier than ever, and—and something else."
Zillah supplied the word—"More stylish."
"And you! why, you are a young lady!" exclaimed Mildred, gazing at her in astonishment.
"I'm fifteen, and taller than you, I do believe," returned Zillah, laughing and blushing.
"And how you're all grown!" Mildred went on, glancing round the circle.
"Except father and mother," laughed Rupert. "Haven't I nearly caught up to father in height?"
"So you have, and I shall be very proud of my big brother."
"Well, I declare, if you hain't come at last—thought you never was a comin'!" exclaimed a voice in Mildred's rear; and as she turned quickly about, a toil-hardened hand seized hers in a grasp that almost forced from her a little cry of pain.
"Yes," she said, "I have, and am very glad to find you here, Celestia Ann. You kept your promise."