"
It was almost dark in the hall when she found herself taken possession
of by two strong arms, and Carl's voice inquired what she was doing
all alone.
"Feeling ashamed of myself."
"Very unnecessary, I am sure."
"No, I was worrying a little over you boys for one thing; then I had a
visit from Jim."
"He is tiptop, but I don't know what I am going to do without old
Ikey."
"Then tell him so, for he is afraid we will forget him."
"Ikey is a great goose; but indeed, Aunt Zelie, you need not be afraid
for us! I don't mean to be self-confident,--I know I shall often do
wrong,--but it means a lot to a fellow when he has somebody like you
to care for him."
"Why, how dark it is! Who is here? I can't see," exclaimed Bess,
coming in, followed by her father and Louise.
"Carl making love to Aunt Zelie," said the latter, dropping down on
the other side of her aunt, and taking possession of all that was
left.
Bess surveyed them discontentedly. "There is not a scrap of a place
for me."
"You will have to put up with your old father," said Mr. Hazeltine.
"You are better than nobody," she said saucily.
"I forgot to tell you," began Louise suddenly, "that Mr. Caruth is
going to Japan.
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