'I don't suppose he has anything to tell,' I said, with not the slightest belief in my own words. 'Perhaps not. Anyhow, we'll not say anything--eh, Chris?' 'Very well, mother. She is very pretty, isn't she?' 'Very, very pretty.' 'Such beautiful hair--and such white hands!' I was proceeding with my raptures, when my mother tapped my cheek merrily, which brought the blood into my face strangely enough. 'At all events,' I said, I hope she will stay with us always.' 'You stupid Chris! What has got into your head? I really don't suppose she will stay very long.' 'But she has brought her box--and--and--' My mother suddenly assumed a look of perplexity. 'Really, really now,' she said, sitting down, and holding me in front of her, 'I know every mark upon you. You have got a brown mole on your left side, and a little red spot like a currant on the back of your neck, and another one just here----' and then she paused. 'Well, mother?' 'Well, Chris, I really _cannot_ remember that I have ever seen a note of interrogation anywhere about you. Have you got one, my dear? And where is it?' 'But, mother,' I said, laughing, and kissing her, 'I must be inquisitive and I must ask questions.' 'Only of me, dear child.' 'Well, then, only of you. Now wouldn't you grow quite fond of her?' 'I am sure I should, dear.' 'Well, wouldn't it be too bad, directly you got fond of her, for her to go away? Now wouldn't it?' 'But life is full of changes, my dear!' 'That's not an answer, mother. You're fond of me;'--an endearing caress answered me--'very, very fond, I know, and I am of you. Now, supposing _I_ was to go away!' 'Child, child!' cried my mother, kneeling suddenly before me and clasping me in her arms. If I were to lose you, my heart would break!' I was frightened at the vehement passion of her words, and at the white face upon which my eyes rested; but she grew more composed presently. Then the voice of uncle Bryan was heard at the top of the stairs, calling to us to come up. 'What can we do with our visitor to-night, Emma?' he said, thus indicating that matters had been arranged during our absence. 'She can sleep with me. You won't mind, my dear?' 'I shall like to,' replied Jessie. He's ever so much nicer than he was, although I can't say that he's at all polite.' This referred to uncle Bryan, who made a grimace. 'I couldn't help coming.' 'The least said,' observed uncle Bryan, with all his usual manner upon him, 'the soonest mended, young lady.' She pursed up her lips: Young lady! That was all very well when we were distant. You may call me something else now, if you like.' 'Indeed! Well, then, Miss Trim.' She laughed saucily. How funny it sounds as you say it! Miss Trim! I think we are quite intimate enough for you to call me Jessie.' 'You think!' retorted uncle Bryan, with some sense of enjoyment. 'You are given to thinking, I have no doubt.' 'Oh, yes; I think a good deal.' 'Upon my word What about?'