A general laugh greeted this, for Aunt Ruth's expression of face as she
told it was provocative.

"We can readily believe that, Ruth," declared Judge Gray, and his
brother Robert nodded. The low-voiced talk between Mr. Robert Gray and
his wife had ceased; Stephen had laid down his book; Ruth had stopped
plucking at her harp strings; and only Roberta still seemed interested
in anything but Aunt Ruth and her experiences and opinions.

"I mended his socks and gloves for him," announced Aunt Ruth
contentedly. "You needn't tell me they don't miss a woman's hand about
the house, over there."

"She mended Rich Kendrick's socks and gloves!" murmured Louis, with a
laughing, incredulous glance at Rosamond, who lifted delighted eyes to
him. "I can't believe it. He must have made holes in them on purpose."

"Why, not even a spendthrift would do that!" Aunt Ruth promptly denied
the possibility of such folly. "I don't say but they are lavish with
things there. Rufus and I were a good deal bothered by all their lights.
We couldn't seem to get them all put out. And every time we put them
out, anywhere, somebody'd turn them on again for us."

Uncle Rufus broke in here, narrating their experience with the various
switch-buttons in the suite of rooms, and the company laughed until they
wept over his comments.

"But all that's neither here nor there," said he, finally. "Of course we
weren't up to such elaborate arrangements, and it made us feel sort of
rustic. But I can tell you they didn't spare any pains to make us
comfortable and at home--if, as Ruth says, you can make anybody feel at
home in a great place like that. I feel, as she does, sorry for 'em
both. They're pretty fine gentlemen, if I'm any judge, and I don't know
which I like better, the older or the younger."

"There can be no question about the older," said his brother, Robert
Gray, joining in the talk with evident interest. "Mr. Matthew Kendrick
made his place long ago in the business world as one of the great and
just. He has taught that world many fine lessons of truth and honour, as
well as of success."

Judge Gray nodded. "I'm glad to hear that you appreciate him, Robert,"
said he. "Few know better than I how deserved that is. And still fewer
recognize the fine and sensitive nature behind the impression of power
he has always given. He is the type of man, as sister Ruth here is quick
to discern, who must be lonely in the midst of his great wealth, for the
lack