It seems to me we cannot fail to love each other with such a bond of union as our common love to you." "No, I trust not," he said, with a bright, happy smile.

"I think they are warm-hearted children; I'm sure they love their father; and it does seem to me utterly impossible that they should fail to love the dearest, loveliest, sweetest little lady in the world merely because she has become that father's wife." The whistle blew loudly, the train rushed on with redoubled speed, slackened, came to a stand-still, and in another minute the captain had alighted and was handing out Violet.
"Papa! oh, I'm so glad you're come at last!" cried a boyish voice at his side.
"Max, my dear boy!" There was a hasty, hearty embrace, Violet standing smiling by, then the captain said, "Violet, my love, this is my son," and Max, moved by a sudden impulse, threw his arms about her neck and kissed her in a rapture of delight, so sweet and beautiful did she appear in his eyes.
"Oh, I beg your pardon!" he stammered, releasing her and stepping back a little, afraid he had taken too great a liberty.

But venturing a second glance into her face, he saw that she was smiling sweetly through her blushes.
"No apology is needed, Max," she said cheerily.

"My brothers are always ready with a kiss for mamma and sisters.

And, since I am not old enough to be your mother, you will let me be your older sister; won't you ?" "Oh, thank you, yes!" said Max.