"O grandma, good-morning! Did you come to take us home?" cried Rosie, as
she came running in, put her arms about Mrs. Dinsmore's neck, and held up
her face for a kiss.
"Yes, dear child, and to bring you some news. Good-morning, Max, Lulu,
Gracie, Walter--all of you--there's a little stranger at Ion."
"A little stranger!" was the simultaneous exclamation from all five, Max
adding, "What sort?" and Rosie, "Where from?"
"A very sweet, pretty little creature, I think; a little girl from 'No
Man's Land,'" was the smiling reply. "A new little sister for you, Max,
Lulu, and Gracie, a niece for Rosie and Walter."
Max looked pleased, though slightly puzzled, too; Gracie's eyes shone, and
the pink flush deepened on her cheeks, as she asked delightedly, "Is it a
baby? Mamma's baby?" but Lulu frowned and was silent.
"Yes, it is your mamma's baby," replied Grandma Rose. "Would you like to
go home and see it?"
All answered in the affirmative, except Lulu, who said nothing, and then
hurried from the room to make ready.
"O Lu, aren't you glad?" exclaimed Gracie, as they put on their hats.
"No!" snapped Lulu, "what is there to be glad about? It'll steal all
papa's love away from us; Mamma Vi's, too, of course, if she ever had
any.
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