look of reproof.

They went through the house from top to bottom.

"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 goi