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 She burst into tears. Robert laid his hand on her head and said, kindly:

"Don't cry, Nattie; I am your own brother Bobby; though I was a great boy when you were scarcely more than a baby, and left home before you can remember. It was not till last night that we knew this, for you were so feeble we did not like to trouble you with too many questions about your past experiences. Dimple, who will be a good sister, shall tell you how it all came about. She is better than I am at such things. But don't cry, and make yourself sick, because there will be some more surprises for you before long, and you must get ready for them by getting well as fast as you can."

As soon as her brother had withdrawn, Nattie turned toward his wife, her sister, and, lifting the name of "Augustus Reid" from its place, said:

"Did he tell you of me?"

The little woman bowed in assent.

"Where is he?" asked Nattie.