The millionaire had taken under his control his nephew, who had been left an orphan, also another boy called Tom Cooper, the son of an old friend. These three children had grown up together and were like brothers and sister. There was much love between them, with the exception of George, who hated Tom Cooper and wanted his cousin to himself. “I’ll get even with him for knuckling my nut,” grumbled the lad as he watched the other two run away. “I suppose he thinks he’s smart because Annie’s going to buy candy. She ain’t the only one; just look at that coin,” and he took out a handful of money and pretended to show it to some one. “’Taint every fellow that can show a hand like that,” and he ran and jumped over a large gatepost, evidently satisfied with himself. Annie and Tom in the meantime climbed the mansion steps, and the girl ran ahead, shaking her golden curls in the wind. She rapped lightly upon the library door and stood patiently until she heard a kind voice call out: “Come in, little one, come in,” and the gentleman put out his arms and the child sprang into them. “What does father’s baby want now?” asked he lovingly. “Some money to go to the store for bon-bons with Tommy. I don’t like Cousin George as much as I do Tom and father,” and here the child hesitated. “I have promised to marry Tom.” This astounding statement caused the man to throw back his head and give a great laugh. “You needn’t laugh, father,” said the child, wriggling from his arms and pouting a little; “if Tommy and I want to get married, can’t we?” Again the rich man chuckled, drawing the child closely and looking into her eyes, and then saying solemnly: “Do you want to leave your father all alone, without any one to love him?” How many times in the future did the girl remember these words! How many tears had she shed over the remembrance of the loving embrace he had given her when he told her that she could not give away his baby, that she did not belong to herself and was his own sweet child! Annie Benson leaned confidently against her father’s breast. “I’m so glad that you want me, father,” sighed she. “I love you very much indeed, and I’ll tell Tom that I can’t marry him.” With two coins in her hand and tender kisses upon her lips, the girl scampered out to join the waiting youngster upon the porch. “Can’t marry you, Tom,” she shouted, “for father says I belong to him and have no right to give myself away.” “Oh, pshaw, why did you tell him yet? Of course we are too little. Did he laugh?” “Not only did he laugh,” replied Annie, “but he shouted.” “Mean of him,” muttered the lad, tears rising in his eyes. “I suppose he thinks because I’m but eight years old that I never will be a man, but, never mind, I’ll show him.” After that the children got their candy, but neither the boy nor girl seemed to relish it much, and when they reached home Annie’s father was talking with George in the library.