Can't you imagine that I may prefer to talk to Mm for a little rather than to any one else, even if only with pen, ink and paper ?" she added, with a charming blush and smile.
"Oh, yes, indeed! for I know you're very fond of him.

And I don't wonder, for I think he's the very best and handsomest man in the world," cried Max enthusiastically, and both Lulu and Gracie said, "So do I." "Then we are all agreed so far," laughed Vi.

"Come, Gracie, darling, I will be your maid to-night." "No, no! not my maid, but my dear, sweet, pretty mamma!" returned the little one, throwing her arms around Violet's neck and kissing her with ardent affection.
Lulu had risen to go for her books, but paused to say with a slight effort and heightened color, "Yes, Mamma Vi, you are sweet and pretty, and very, very kind to us." The child was by no means devoid of gratitude, though her pride and prejudice were hard to conquer.

Expressions of gratitude and affection toward their young stepmother were far less frequent from her than from her brother and sister, but were perhaps all the more valued because of their rarity.
"Thank you, dear," returned Violet, happy tears glistening in her eyes; "if I am, it is because I love you for both your own and your father's sake." She knew his heart always rejoiced in every demonstration of affection from his children toward her, and in the letter she presently began writing she recounted all that had been shown her that evening, and also others carefully treasured up in her memory for that purpose..