"Then give me a hug," said he, folding her in his arms, and then releasing her. "It is a long time since you saw me. I should not wonder if you had forgotten me."
"But I have not forgotten you; and mother says," she went on, dancing up and down in great glee, "if it's brother George, you're to come right up-stairs; only you mustn't make a noise for the sake of the baby. What did you bring me?"
"If you have a baby, you ought not to expect me to bring you anything. Isn't the baby enough?"
She smiled rather doubtfully, and trotted on before them up-stairs.
"Isabel," said George, "wait a minute." Then, as if something in his sister's face failed to invite the meditated confidence, he asked, as they slowly ascended the stairs, their hands locked, "Is Philip here?"
"No; he will not be here till next Monday—the Monday before Christmas."
"And you are to be married—"
"On Christmas eve; how glad I am you've come!"
"Is my father well?"
"Yes; he will be so sorry not to have met you at the wharf; but he had to go to W—— on Thursday, and will not be home till evening."