smiling sadly at the young stranger. "Do you also love me a little?" asked
my eldest sister.

With tenderness and infinite care Paula enveloped her in her strong arms.
"I already love you with all my heart!" she said, laying her head against
Catalina's shoulder.

"Have you ever been sick, Paula?" she questioned her.

"No, but Papa was," she said in a trembling tone.

At this moment Teresa arrived carrying in the final bag. "At last," she
said, embracing Paula. "Do you know who I am?" Then, seeing that Paula
viewed her a bit strangely, she added, "I am only old Teresa. It was I who
brought up your dear mother, and I thought I would have to do the same with
you; but it looks to me as if you wouldn't need very much of my care. You
are so large and healthy, much bigger than Lisita here, and yet you
probably are no older. How old are you, pray?"

"I am ten years old, madame."

"Oh, don't call me 'madame.' Call me Teresa, just as your mother did many
years ago."

And Teresa took the lamp and brought it close to Paula. "No, you hardly
have any similiarity in your face, but your voice is like hers. Now, let me
hug you once more, my treasure." And Teresa pressed to her heart the
motherless child.

"In my country they say I am like Papa. In fact, I have his portrait in the