He had never had a little sister, and the care of a child as young as Ida was a novelty to him.

It was perhaps this very office of guardian to the child, assumed when she was young, that made him feel ever after as if she were placed under his special protection.
Ida was equally attached to Jack.

She learned to look to him for assistance in any plan she had formed, and he never disappointed her.
Whenever he could, he would accompany her to school, holding her by the hand, and, fond as he was of rough play, nothing would induce him to leave her.
"How long have you been a nursemaid ?" asked a boy older than himself, one day.
Jack's fingers itched to get hold of his derisive questioner, but he had a duty to perform, and he contented himself with saying: "Just wait a few minutes, and I'll let you know." "I dare say you will," was the reply.

"I rather think I shall have to wait till both of us are gray before that time." "You will not have to wait long before you are black and blue," retorted Jack.
"Don't mind what he says, Jack," whispered Ida, fearing that he would leave her.
"Don't be afraid, Ida; I won't leave you.

I'll attend to his business another time.