You are a dear, good brother to me, Ned," she added, laying her hand affectionately on his arm as he sat on the edge of the berth close by her side.

"But how strange it seems that we two are starting off on this long voyage alone!" "I'm so proud to be trusted to take care of you, Elsie," he returned, bending over her and tenderly smoothing her luxuriant hair.

"I used to look up to you years ago, but now----" "You look down on me ?" she interrupted sportively.

"No great feat, Master Ned, while I lie here." "Nor when we stand side by side," he returned in the same tone, 'seeing I have grown to be a full head taller than you.

But truth compels me to acknowledge that I am your superior in nothing else except physical strength." "You might add knowledge of the world, you have had to rely on your own judgment so much oftener than I who have so seldom left mamma's side.
Dear, dear mamma! Oh, Ned, how long will it be before I see her again ?" She wept as she spoke, and Edward felt for the moment strongly inclined to join her.