“Could lick him now,” said Content.
But Jim's face sobered before her readiness. “Oh no, you mustn't go to fighting right away,” said he. “It wouldn't do. You really are a girl, you know, and father is rector.”
“Then I won't,” said Content; “but I COULD knock down that little boy with curls; I know I could.”
“Well, you needn't. I'll like you just as well. You see, Content”—Jim's voice faltered, for he was a boy, and on the verge of sentiment before which he was shamed—“you see, Content, now your big sister Solly is married and gone out West, why, you can have me for your brother, and of course a brother is a good deal better than a sister.”
“Yes,” said Content, eagerly.
“I am going,” said Jim, “to marry Lucy Rose when I grow up, but I haven't got any sister, and I'd like you first rate for one. So I'll be your big brother instead of your cousin.”
“Big brother Solly?”
“Say, Content, that is an awful name, but I don't care. You're only a girl. You can call me anything you want to, but you mustn't call me Solly when there is anybody within hearing.”
“I won't.”
“Because it wouldn't do,” said Jim with weight.