"Yes, mamma," she answered, coming forward.

"Rena, child, here's yo'r brother John, who's
come back to see us. Tell 'im howdy."

As she came forward, Warwick rose, put his
arm around her waist, drew her toward him, and
kissed her affectionately, to her evident embarrassment.
She was a tall girl, but he towered above
her in quite a protecting fashion; and she thought
with a thrill how fine it would be to have such a
brother as this in the town all the time. How
proud she would be, if she could but walk up the
street with such a brother by her side! She
could then hold up her head before all the world,
oblivious to the glance of pity or contempt. She
felt a very pronounced respect for this tall
gentleman who held her blushing face between his
hands and looked steadily into her eyes.

"You're the little sister I used to read stories
to, and whom I promised to come and see some
day. Do you remember how you cried when I
went away?"

"It seems but yesterday," she answered. "I've
still got the dime you gave me."

He kissed her again, and then drew her down
beside him on the sofa, where he sat enthroned