"Aunt Prue is very kind," said Marjorie, as the second little foot was lifted.
"Does she buy you things, too?" asked Prue.
"Yes, ever and ever so many things."
"Does she buy everybody things?" questioned Prue, curiously.
"Yes," laughed Marjorie; "she's everybody's aunt."
"No, I don't buy everybody things. I buy things for you and Marjorie because you are both my little girls."
Turning suddenly Marjorie put both arms about Miss Prudence's neck: "I've missed you, dreadfully, Miss Prudence; I almost cried to-night."
"So that is the story I find in your eyes. But you haven't asked me the news."
"You haven't seen mother, or Linnet, or Morris,—they keep my news for me." But she flushed as she spoke, reproaching herself for not being quite sincere.
Prue stood on the hearth rug, looking up at the portrait of the lady over the mantel.