"You naughty Edward, to frighten us so!"
"Look, Edith, I have brought you a nice little playfellow. Welcome
him, dearest."
Edith extended her hand as she looked into the boy's face.
"He is a pretty boy, Edward, much prettier than Pablo."
"No, Missy Edith," said Pablo; "Pablo more man than he." "Yes, you may
be more man, Pablo; but you are not so pretty."
"And where is Alice?"
"She was getting supper ready, and I did not tell her that I saw you
coming, because I wanted first kiss."
"You little jealous thing! but here comes Alice. Dear Alice, you have
been very uneasy, but it was not my fault," said Edward, kissing her.
"If I had not been where I was, this poor boy would have been killed
as well as his father. Make him welcome, Alice, for he is an orphan
now, and must live with us. I have brought many things in the cart,
and tomorrow we will bring more, for we have no bed for him, and to-
night he must sleep with me."
"We will make him as happy as we can, Edward; and we will be sisters
to him," said Alice, looking at the boy, who was blushing deeply. "How
old are you, and what is your name?"
"I shall be thirteen years old next January," replied the boy.
"And your Christian name?"
"I will tell you by-and-by," replied he, confused.
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