If only that brother who was lost long ago was now living, how nice it would be for us girls.

I wonder if he is really dead--I suppose he is, or mamma would have heard something about him.

Twenty years ago since it happened--longer than my whole life.

Poor mother! poor, dear mother! what she must have suffered! I understand now why her pretty sweet face looked so sad, and why her hair was grey before her time.

What a pity my brother has not lived--he certainly would not wish us girls to be parted." Primrose walked on a little farther, then she retraced her steps and went home.