“He said they were for all of us,” returned Harry, “that there would be enough for each of us to have one, and leave one for Ethel’s breakfast; and to-morrow he’s going to send us some more or something else quite as good.”
“He’s just as kind as he can be!” was Nannette’s rejoinder, Blanche adding, “Indeed he is! I do love him and wish everybody had as good and kind an uncle.”
“Some folks have fathers, and I suppose they do just as well as uncles,” laughed Harry.
CHAPTER XVIII.
“You have been gone a good while, Albert; I hope it was not because of finding the child ill?” Mr. George Eldon remarked enquiringly when his brother re-entered their office.
“She is worn out and a long rest will be very necessary, I think,” was the reply in an anxious tone, “and I for one shall do what I can to make her take it. She is certainly a bright girl and one to be proud of, George. There are none too many who would exert themselves as she has done when they might live at ease, depending on relatives able and willing to care for them.”
“No, I dare say not, but I have sometimes felt that I should prefer to have her a trifle less independent. But,” glancing at the clock, “sit down and give me an account of your visit, and the state in which you found her and the others. I see we have time enough for a chat before starting for home.”
The request was complied with, a consultation held as to how much, and in what way Ethel and the others should be assisted, then, still conversing together on the subject, the brothers started for their homes.
It was the topic of conversation at the dinner table at Mr. George Eldon’s that evening, and Dorothy and the two young men seemed much interested.
“She is a brave, industrious little woman,” said George. “I doubt if there are many girls who would have voluntarily undertaken all that she has.”