anyhow."

"That's right, girlie; don't claim any more credit than belongs to you.
Well, next thing is to invite your young friend."

So Marjorie went over to the poor little boy, and said, kindly:

"It's Fourth of July, and we'd like you to come and eat ice cream with
us."

The child's face brightened up, but immediately a look of distrust came
into his eyes, and he said:

"Say, is youse kiddin' me?"

"No," said King, for Marjorie didn't know quite what he meant; "we mean
it. We're going to have ice cream, and we want you to have some with
us."

"Kin I bring me brudder?"

"Where is he?" asked Cousin Jack, smiling at this new development of the
case.

"Over dere, wit' me sister. Kin I bring 'em both?"

Marjorie laughed outright at this, but Mr. Bryant said, gravely:

"How many in your entire family? Let me know the worst at once!"