There is some still in the kitchen; for if you appear before your sister in that plight--" But Melissa had recognized her brother's voice, and, although Philip had smoothed his hair a little with his hands, one glance at his face showed her that his efforts had been vain.
"Poor boy!" she said, when, in answer to her question as to what his news was, he had answered gloomily, "As bad as possible." She took his hand and led him into the work-room.

There she reminded him that she was giving him a new brother in Diodoros; and he embraced her fondly, and wished her and her betrothed every happiness.

She thanked him out of a full heart, while he swallowed his wine, and then she begged him to tell her all he had done.
He began, and, as she gazed at him, it struck her how little he resembled his father and brother, though he was no less tall, and his head was shaped like theirs.

But his frame, instead of showing their stalwart build, was lean and weakly.

His spine did not seem strong enough for his long body, and he never held himself upright.