Mildred sympathized fully in her little sister’s pleasure, praised her industry, and gave patient attention to the other matters, and advice in regard to them.
“I don’t think we can quite decide what will be best for you to buy till we see the pretty things in the stores,” she said at length. “And now, dear child, I think it is about time for you to be getting ready for bed.”
“Yes, I suppose it is. O Milly, I do love you so! you are just like a mother to me, now while we are away from our own dear mother,” Annis said, giving and receiving a close and tender embrace.
Dr. Landreth came in at that moment, and as the two released each other, “Now, Annis,” he said, “isn’t it my turn? I’ve been your brother for a good while and you have never given me a hug yet.”
“I never hug gentlemen, except my father and brothers,” she returned, coloring and edging away from him.
“Of course not; but don’t you acknowledge me as your brother?”
“I think you are a very nice brother,” she said, remembering his many acts of kindness, “but not—”
“Not the sort you like to hug, eh? Then you oughtn’t to hug Mildred; because she and I are one.”
“I don’t think so,” she said, laughing and shaking her head, “and I have let you hug me once or twice.”
“Ah! but that’s another thing. See here, I’ll give you this if you’ll pay for it with such a hug as you gave Milly just now.” And he held up a double gold eagle.