And if you would
really care to have me here with you, a part of the year, I could but be
gratified and contented."
They assured him of their joy at this: they mounted the stairs with him
and searched for the apartments which should be his. In spite of his
protests they insisted on his occupying those which were obviously the
choicest of the house, declaring that nothing could be too good for him.
He was deeply touched at their devotion, and they were as glad as he.
The time passed rapidly in these momentous affairs.
"I suppose we must be off," admitted Richard reluctantly, discovering
the hour. "Robin, how can you bear to leave it so long untenanted? From
July to Christmas--what an interminable stretch of time!"
"Not with all you have planned to do," Roberta reminded him. "Think what
it will mean to get it all in order."
"I do think what it will mean. Don't I, though! It will mean--shopping
with my love, choosing rugs and furniture--and plates and cups,
Robin--plates and cups to eat and drink from. The fun of that! Will you
help us, Rufus?" He turned, laughing, to the young girl beside him.
"Will you come and eat and drink from our plates and cups? Ah, but this
is a great old world--yes? you three dear people! And I'm the happiest
fellow in it!"
There seemed small doubt that there could be few happier, just then, as
standing at the top of his own staircase and gazing down into the wide
and empty hall toward the open door which led out upon the
white-pillared portico of his home-that-was-to-be, Richard Kendrick
flung up one arm, lifting an imaginary cup high in the air, and calling
joyously:
_"Here's hoping!"_
CHAPTER XXV
A STOUT LITTLE CABIN
Christmas morning! and the bells in St.
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