It was splendid, splendid!" The dear boy didn't know, perhaps, that honesty shone in his eyes, that one could not look at him and deny he was a gentleman.

And, of course, I didn't enlighten him, for it is well for men, particularly, young men, to feel grateful, and the least bit humble; it keeps them from being spoiled.
But to return to the dinner invitation: Mr.Porter accepted it eagerly.

"It is more than kind of you," he said.

"My mother is away, and her house is closed.

It is my first home-coming in four years, and I should have been lonely to-night." And poor Dad, who has been lonely--oh, so lonely!--ever since Ninette died, shook hands with him, and said: "If my daughter and I can keep you from feeling lonely, we shall be so glad.