Little Zaly,--that's what they called her, is about the last leaf on the tree." "Let's ask her to visit us, can't we?
I do want to know your people; and if she's all the people there are, I want to know her." "Why, child, I don't know anything about her,--I don't even know if she's still in the land of the living." "Can't you write and find out ?" "Why, I suppose so.

But _why_ do you want her?
She's probably an awkward, countrified little thing--" "I don't care for that! She's your kin, and I'm prepared to love her for that reason." "That's a dear thing for you to say, Patty mine, but you may get more than you bargain for.

Suppose you invite Azalea and Uncle Thorpe himself comes trotting along, too!" "Well, I could even live through that! I don't suppose he'd bite me!" "But I'm quite sure he wouldn't fit into your scheme of things entire! Oh, let sleeping dogs lie, Pattibelle.

Take me for my whole family,--I'm a host in myself." "You are,--my lord and master,--you sure are! But, all the same, I must hunt up your little cousin.

Of course her father can't come, if he isn't invited.