"May I go with you?" Don asked, as Rupert rose to go.
"And I?" added the father, rising also. "We will assure her of her welcome before she has to face us all here."
"I feel inclined to go myself," said the mother, smiling affectionately upon Rupert; "but no, on second thoughts I should rather have our first interview here, with no prying eyes to look on."
"Yes," he said; "that will be best; but," and he glanced a little wistfully at his sisters.
All three at once offered to accompany him.
"Thank you, you dear girls," he said heartily, "but some of you should stay with mother."
After a little discussion it was agreed that Zillah should go, the others to await the coming of the new sister where they were.
The hotel was at no great distance, and they had not long to wait. The little party presently returned, and Rupert led proudly up to his mother one of the most beautiful, graceful, and altogether bewitching young creatures she had ever seen.
"Mother, this is your new daughter; Juanita, our mother," he said, and they embraced with warmth of affection.