A whole week in the house this lovely weather! How can the poor boy ever stand it! "And nobody to speak a kind word to him, either.

I don't think they ought to be so hard on him, for I dare say he is grieving himself sick over it now, for he isn't a bad boy." "No," said Rosie, "I don't think he is; I like Max very much, but of course his father's orders have to be carried out, and for that reason we are all forbidden to go near him, and we have no choice but to obey." "Forbidden, indeed!" thought Zoe to herself.

"I for one shall do as I please about it." "Zoe, how pretty you are! that dress is very becoming!" exclaimed Rosie, suddenly changing the subject.
"Am I?
But I can't compare with Miss Deane in either beauty or conversational powers," returned Zoe, the concluding words spoken with some bitterness.
"Can't you?
just ask Ned about it," laughed Rosie.

"I verily believe he thinks you the sweetest thing he ever set eyes on.

There, I hear him coming, and must run away, for I know he always wants you all to himself here; and besides, I have to dress." She ran gayly away, passing her brother on the threshold.
Zoe was busying herself at a bureau drawer, apparently searching for something, and did not look toward him or speak.