“Now, if you don’t mind, Mrs. Husted, I’d like my folks to see the dining-room, for it’s the best part of the whole establishment, according to the notion of men like Malcolm and me, who have known what it is to go hungry many a time during our adventurous lives.”

The obliging housekeeper complied with a degree of alacrity that must have still further astonished Matilda.  When they entered the room, to discover a table set for just five persons and fairly groaning beneath the weight of all manner of good things, Thad drew a long breath; for now he knew that the grand announcement could not be much longer delayed.  And he also knew that poor Matilda’s simple luncheon, resting in the covered basket under the tree outside, would in all likelihood remain untouched.

“Why, what do you think of that?” remarked Brother Lu, appearing to be very much surprised.  “Here are places for just five, the number we count.  Wouldn’t it be a great joke now if we had the nerve to sit down, and partake of this little spread.  Mrs. Husted, this is my sister’s birthday, the only one she’s really had, I guess, for more than twenty years.  Perhaps you wouldn’t mind if we celebrated the event and tried to do justice to this luncheon.  Matilda, let me give you this seat of honor at the head of the table.  Andrew, old scout, you are to sit opposite your wife Boys, find places, and I’ll take this seat.”

Matilda and Andrew allowed themselves to be almost pushed into their respective chairs.  They were dumb, and seemed almost in a dream.  Matilda could not take her wondering eyes off this astonishing brother of hers, who now must have looked very like the fairy prince to her.  She was an automaton in his hands, and he could have done anything with her.  But, of course, presently she would awaken, and find it all one of those amazing dreams that so often come to tantalize the very poor.

Now Brother Lu was standing there.  He bent forward and looked affectionately at his sister.  His eyes were sparkling still, but from quite another cause, Hugh saw; though his own orbs were also dimmed, and he had to wink very rapidly in order to keep the tears from flowing down his cheeks.

“Well, Matilda, how do you like your new home?” said Brother Lu; “for henceforth you and your husband are to live here to the end of your days.  It has been bought, and placed in your name.  Yes, I’m going to own up, sister mine, that Brother Lu had been playing a cruel joke, but with a good object.  I’m not a poor, forlorn hobo, as I led you to believe, neither am I dying by inches.  I hope to live some years yet, to see the two I love drink heartily from the cup of happiness.  All this is but a drop in the bucket to what is coming.  You shall make up for some of the lean years you’ve spent so bravely, buoying up each other’s courage.  Yes, and that tender heart of yours, Tilly, shall be given plenty of opportunities to bring good cheer to those who