“And find them as attractive as the rest of the family?”
“Oh, more—much more! They are darlings!” cried Mollie, with unction, “especially the younger. Her name is Mary, but they call her Mollie, because it suits her better. Don’t you always imagine a Mollie very sweet, and charming, and attractive?”
“I can’t say that I have devoted any attention to the subject. So Mary is the younger of the two, is she? And the elder?”
“Ruth! she’s pretty and serious, and very, very nice; but Mollie is nicer, all the same. When you get to know them, you must promise to like Mollie best, for my sake! I’m so fond of her, that I want everybody to be the same. I like her better than anyone I ever knew!”
The old man smiled grimly.
“You appear to be of an enthusiastic temperament; I fancy I shall prefer to judge for myself when I make the young lady’s acquaintance. We had better be getting on now. I am sorry to hinder your progress, but it is not possible for me to move more quickly at present. I should not have attempted the walk if I had known that it was so long; but the cab jolted insufferably, and the sunshine was tempting. Well,—there is nothing for it but to make another effort!”
He pressed his hands on the seat to lighten the effort of rising, but before he had got any further, Mollie stepped forward eagerly, and laid a hand on his shoulder. Her cheeks were flushed with colour, her eyes a-sparkle with excitement.
“Unless you will let me help you! ... I’m very strong; I could support you easily, if you would take my arm and lean on me. I’d love to do it. Do let me? Won’t you,—Uncle Bernard?”