Page:The mislaid uncle (IA mislaiduncle00raym).pdf/62

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slipped to her feet and leaned affectionately against his shoulder, saying:

"That's better. I guess you're not used to holding little girls, are you, Uncle Joe?"

"No, Josephine. What is your other name?" said he.

"Smith. Just like yours. You're my papa's dear twin, you know."

"Oh, am I?" he asked.

"Course. Didn't you know that? How funny. That's because you haven't mamma to remind you, I s'pose. Mamma remembers everything. Mamma never is naughty. Mamma knows everything. Mamma is dear, dear, dear. And, oh, I want her, I want her!"

Josephine's arms went round the gentleman's neck, and her tears fell freely upon his spotless shirt front. She had been very brave, she had done what she promised Doctor Mack, and kept a "laughing front" as long as she could; but now here, in the home of her papa's twin, with her "own folks," her self-control gave way, and she cried as she had never cried before in all her short and happy life.