a big lot of stocks that bring in a fine income, and, besides
that, he has placed to my credit in the bank several thousand dollars to
invest as I like. I am a rich woman, now, Joel."

"Fine! Fine! Splendid! Splendid!" Joel cried, impulsively, and then his
face began to settle back into perplexed rigidity as he sat and waited.

"Yes, it is fine," Mrs. Trott went on, "and what I want to see you
about, Joel, is this: As you know, there are several splendid farms
around here with good houses on them that are offered for sale. Now I
want to buy one of them, and I want you to help me do it."

"I'll do anything I can," he answered, lamely, for he well knew that she
had not finished what she had to say. "I am afraid that I am not a good
business man, however, and that the judgment of others--"

"I really want the Louden farm," Mrs. Trott said. "Mr. Cavanaugh says it
is a bargain. He built the big house that is on it and says that it was
decidedly well made out of the best materials. It is a beautiful place,
as you may know, with the fine spring and fruit and shade trees and
stables and barn!"

"Yes, it is splendid in every way," Eperson said; "and you think that
you can get it?"

She smiled broadly. "Through the lawyers I have already a binding option
on it. The final papers will be signed to-day."

"But how can I help you?" Joel asked, still shrinkingly.

Mrs. Trott hesitated, as if to decide exactly how she should make her
next move. Then, with a half-fearful smile, she said: "You remember,
Joel, how you pleaded with me, just after you and Tilly were married, to
come live with you and her?"

"Yes, for we wanted you--we've always wanted you to be closer to us."

"Well, I want to go to you now, Joel," was the slow reply. "I'm lonely.
Another change seems to have come over me. I have learned to love the
children so much that I am restless without them. Their little visits
seem too short, and on rainy days and in the winter they can't come.
Yes, I want to be with you all, and I am asking you to take me at last,
Joel."

"Asking me--asking me?" he stammered, comprehending her trend in part.
"Why, you know--you ought to know that I--that we--"

"Well, it is for you to take me or refuse me," Mrs. Trott put in, with a
wistful smile. "I want to live on the farm. I can't manage it by myself
and I want you to take charge of it for me--and let us all live in that
big, fine house together."

"But I-- Why, I--" Joel broke d