"It makes us all happy, dear old Eugene!" And with a brave gesture she stretched out her hand to him across the small table.

He took it quickly, giving her a look in which his laughter tried to remain, but vanished before a gratitude threatening to become emotional in spite of him.

Isabel, however, turned instantly to Fanny.
"Give him your hand, Fanny," she said gayly; and, as Fanny mechanically obeyed, "There!" Isabel cried.

"If brother George were here, Eugene would have his three oldest and best friends congratulating him all at once.

We know what brother George thinks about it, though.