Richard received it with a respectful
hand, and then had much ado to keep from showing how the sight of her
pictured face made his heart throb.
When the two visitors rose to go Aunt Ruth put in a plea for their
remaining overnight.
"It's turned colder since you came up this morning, Mr. Kendrick," said
she. "Why not stay with us and go back in the morning? We'd be so
pleased to entertain you, and we've plenty of room--too much room for us
two old folks, now the children are all married and gone."
To Richard's surprise his grandfather did not immediately decline. He
looked at Aunt Ruth, her rosy, smiling face beaming with hospitality,
then he glanced at Richard.
"Do stay," urged Uncle Rufus. "Remember how you took us in at midnight,
and what a good time you gave us the two days we stayed? It would make
us mighty happy to have you sleep under our roof, you and your grandson
both, if he'll stay, too."
"I confess I should like to sleep under this roof," admitted Matthew
Kendrick. "It reminds me of my father's old home. It's very good of you,
Madam Gray, to ask us, and I believe I shall remain. As to Richard--"
"I'd like nothing better," declared that young man promptly.
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