course, it is only among ourselves; and, I tell you, Graeme, you are
spoiling Rosie--"

"Harry! be quiet. I don't choose to listen to you on that subject."

"I declare, Harry, you are getting morbid on the subject of Rosie's
conquests. It is the greatest folly imaginable," said Arthur.

"Well, it may be so. At any rate, I shall say no more. Are you coming,
Charlie? I must go."

He went to the foot of the stairs, and called: "Rose, are you coming
down again? I must go."

Rose came flying down.

"Must you go, Harry? I am just done with what I needed to do. Don't be
cross with me, Harry." And greatly to his surprise, as she put her arms
around his neck, he felt her tears upon his cheek.

"Why, Rosie, what ails you? I didn't mean to be cross, Rosie, my
darling."

But, in a minute, Rose was smiling through her tears.

"Rosie, dear," whispered her brother, "you are a very silly little girl.
I think you are the very silliest girl I know. I wish--" Rose wiped
her eyes.

"Don't go yet, Harry. I will come in immediately; and please don't tell
Graeme that I am so silly. She wouldn't like it at all."

"Graeme is as silly as you are," growled Harry.

Rose laughed, and ran up-stairs, but came down in a minute with Miss
Goldsmith. Harry had brought a great paper of sweets for the little
sisters at home, for which Etta thanked him very prettily, and then she
said:

"I hope you are not afraid to trust Rose with us? We will take great
care of her, I assure you."

"Since I am too silly to take care of myself," said Rose.

They had a pleasant evening enough, all things considered, and it was
some time before Harry and his friend went away.

"I must say good-bye for a long time, Miss Rose," said Mr Millar. "I
shall have sailed before you are home again, I suppose."

"You go in the first steamer, then?"

"I don't know, I am not quite sure yet. I have not quite decided."

"Of course, he goes by the first steamer," said Harry. "He should have
gone long ago. There is no use dwelling longer over so simple a
matter."

Rose opened her eyes very wide.

"Is that the way you speak to your friend and partner?" said Fanny.

"Really, Harry, I am afraid your fine temper is being spoiled," said
Rose. "I think Mr Millar is very good not to mind you."

"I understand Harry," said his friend.

"You don't understand yourself, nor what is good for you. Good-bye,
dear, silly, little Rose."

"Good-bye, Harry.