Pretty thoughts came to her that she had never had before; her luxurious surroundings led her to acquire dainty ways and a composed and self-poised demeanor.
"Our rosebud is unfolding, petal by petal, and beginning to bloom gloriously," said Patsy to sympathetic Uncle John.

"Could anyone be more sweet or lovely ?" Perhaps almost any girl, situated as Myrtle Dean was, would have blossomed under similar influences.

Certain it was that Uncle John came to have a tender affection for the poor child, while the Major's big heart had warmed from the first toward the injured girl.

Beth and Patsy were devoted to their new friend and even Mumbles was never so happy as when Myrtle would hold and caress him.

Naturally the former waif responded freely to all this wealth of affection and strove to be companionable and cheery, that they might forget as much as possible her physical helplessness.
Mumbles was not the least important member of the party, but proved a constant source of amusement to all.