"What will become of the little one?" inquired Mrs. Page.
"Who can tell? Some one will take her. Dionysio can stay with the old man."
"Couldn't we have her, mother?" asked Nellie. "She is so sweet."
"What would you do with her, child?" inquired Aunt Mary.
"Love her and have her for a little playmate," said Nellie.
"Well, well! Who ever heard the like!" exclaimed Aunt Mary.
"But she is so sweet," repeated Nellie. "Let us have her, mother."
Alfonsa smiled at Nellie and went off with the clothes.
Nellie still persisted in her pleading. Mr. Page was reading within hearing distance. He now looked up from his paper and said to his wife:
"Martha, since we came to California you have not had an orphan to care for. Before that there were always one or two."