Page:Zodiac stories by Blanche Mary Channing.pdf/246

Rh warmest words of welcome, but Bobby, who stood still on the steps, cried in distinct tones,

"Only one nigger!"

"Bobby, come here and say 'how do you do' to your cousins directly!" called his mother, hoping his speech about the "nigger" had not been noticed. Bobby came forward and held out a hand deeply stained with a variety of tints, he having spent the last half hour in cleaning his paint-box. The Colonel took the hand with a peculiar smile; his wife barely touched it; but the little girl dispensed with all formalities, and kissed Bobby squarely, at which every one laughed.

"Everything in a good beginning," remarked Bobby's father.

"Moti is a genial little creature," Colonel Fane answered, "but awfully spoiled;—at least, I am afraid so. You see, it 's almost inevitable in a hill-station like the one she and Polly have been staying at.