I've been lonely all the time since pappy died." "You shall never be lonely again," says Rylton.

"I'm your friend from this hour--your friend for ever." He is touched to his very heart by her words and her small face.

He stoops over her, and in spite of all that has been said against kissing, presses his lips to her soft cheek! "Ah! You are kind.

I _do_ like you," says she, gazing at him with earnest eyes.

"Yes, I know I shall be happy with you." She is evidently comparing him most favourably with Uncle George.