'Mamma, what are advantages?'

'Don't you know, Val?'

'Dolores says we haven't any. And I said we have. And she says I
don't know what advantages are.'

Hal and Gillian were both laughing with all their might. Their mother
kept her countenance, and said--

'I suppose every one has advantages of some sort, and perhaps without
knowing them.'

'I'm sure I know,' cried Fergus.

'Well, what are they?' asked Harry.

'Having mamma!' cried the little boy.

'Hear, hear! That's right, Fergy man! Couldn't be better!' cried
Harry, and there was a general acclamation, which inspired gentle Mysie
with the fear that her motherless cousin might feel the contrast, and,
though against rules, she whispered--

'She will make you like one of us.'

'That wasn't what I meant,' returned Dolores, a little contemptuously.

'What did you mean?' said Mysie.