"I am both very fond and very proud of Max.

I wouldn't swap him for any other body's brother that ever I saw; no not even for all the nice brothers that Rosie has." "Neither would I," said Grace, "though I'm fond of them all." "Papa, when is it that we are going to see Max ?" queried Lulu.

"Some time in January I know you said, but will it be to spend New Year's with him ?" "No; wouldn't you like to go sooner than that ?" he asked, stroking her hair and looking down lovingly, smilingly into her eyes.
"Oh, yes, indeed, papa! if it suits you to go and to take me," she answered eagerly.

"It seems now a long, long while that I have been separated from Max, and the sooner I may go to see him the better.

But have you changed your plans about it ?" "Yes," he replied.