"Oh, yes."
"Is she pretty, mamma? Has she blue eyes, or black?"
"She is decidedly handsome, and her eyes are black."
"Do you like her, mamma?"
"Quite well, dear. She is very charming. I will tell you a secret. Perhaps she will be your auntie some day."
"Is she going to marry Uncle Bert?" inquired Ruby, wide-eyed.
"Nothing is settled yet, dear. But it seems probable. Bert could not find a more brilliant Mrs. Chesleigh."
"I do not wish for Uncle Bert to marry. I shall tell him so!" cried Ruby.
"Fie, little selfishness, you will do no such thing! He ought to marry and settle down at home. We should not then have to be running after him in every out-of-the-way place where he chooses to fall sick. Here I have been by his sick-bed all summer, ruining my health and missing the whole season by the sea!"
"How gladly I would have exchanged places with you," moaned little Golden, to herself.