"Have you a big sister -- Solly?" asked the rector.
His face was stern, but his voice faltered.
"Yes, sir."
"Then -- tell me so."
"I have a big sister Solly," said Content. Now
she spoke rather wearily, although still sweetly, as
if puzzled why she had been disturbed in sleep to
be asked such an obvious question.
"Where has she been all the time, that we have
known nothing about her?" demanded the rector.
Content smiled. However, she spoke. "Home,"
said she.
"When did she come here?"
"This morning."
"Where is she now?"
Content smiled and was silent. The rector cast
a helpless look at his wife. He now did not care
if she did see that he was completely at a loss.
How could a great, robust man and a clergyman
be harsh to a tender little girl child in a pink-and-
white nest of innocent dreams?
Sally pitied him. She spoke more harshly than
her husband. "Content Adams," said she, "you
know perfectly well that you have no big sister
Solly. Now tell me the truth. Tell me you have
no big sister Solly."
"I have a big sister Solly," said Content.
"Come, Edward," said Sally. "There is no use
in staying and talking to this obstinate little girl
any longer." Then she spoke to Content. "Before
you go to sleep," said she, "you must say your
prayers, if you have not already done so.
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