"Here is Hertha, Leo dear."
There was a slight reproach in her voice as she said this, which didn't
please Hertha at all.
He gave her a quick glance, which measured her from head to toe, and
his face brightened a little. He got up lazily, and held out his hand.
"I hope that you are happy here, my dear Hertha," he said.
"So I am to be graciously patronized," she thought, with increasing
bitterness, as she laid her hand silently in his. She had seldom felt
so conscious of being an orphan as at this minute.
"You have a good firm handshake," he went on, smiling; "I believe we
shall be friends."
She felt she was blushing, and wished earnestly that she could think of
some smart retort, but nothing occurred to her.
"And now let us be jolly, children!" he exclaimed, clapping his hands.
"It's no use wearing one's self out with worrying. Here, you
whitewashed one, give me some coffee."