"Sit there and drip on the mat a bit, while I take this in to missis." She seemed used to receiving strange boys, for she pointed to a seat in the hall, and said, with a nod: "I hope the lady will see to me," he thought, and gave a timid rap with the great bronze knocker, which was a jovial griffin's head.Ī rosy-faced servant-maid opened the door, and smiled as she took the letter which he silently offered. Neither curtains nor shutters hid the cheerful glimmer and, pausing a moment before he rang, Nat saw many little shadows dancing on the walls, heard the pleasant hum of young voices, and felt that it was hardly possible that the light and warmth and comfort within could be for a homeless "little chap" like him. Through the soft spring rain that fell on sprouting grass and budding trees, Nat saw a large square house before him–a hospitable-looking house, with an old-fashioned porch, wide steps, and lights shining in many windows.
The man spoke pleasantly, and the boy went on, feeling much cheered by the words. "All right go up to the house, and give it to her she'll see to you, little chap." "P LEASE, sir, is this Plumfield?" asked a ragged boy of the man who opened the great gate at which the omnibus left him.
TO WHOM SHE OWES SOME OF THE BEST AND HAPPIEST T HESE two Masterpieces for Boys and Girls are now published in P OPULAR E DITIONS by