Yes, there was the sun out in all its glory, driving the fog into the ocean, tearing it into tatters, and suddenly everything was glorified. The evergreens had been washed free from dust and were in their metallic tints, other foliage that had seemed brown a few days ago, glowed and shimmered in the crystal-clear air. The change was marvellous. The newcomers glanced at each other in surprise, with no words to express their exhilaration.
"And now we can go out!" cried Laverne. "I want to climb a hill."
Uncle Jason laughed. "Come and see," he replied.
Alas! Rivulets were running down the slopes and the wind was appalling. Some of the streets were simply seas meandering along.
"Never mind, to-morrow it will be nice and you will see it dry up by magic."
Laverne went back to the book of legends and stories. The others had been considering plans. Mrs. Folsom had accepted Mr. Dawson's proposal and was installed as housekeeper to his wife's great satisfaction.
"It would be folly for a young fellow like you to go out to the mines," Mr. Dawson said to Richard. "There's gold enough to last ten years or I'll miss my guess. It's no place for a boy. And there is plenty to do right here. I'll take you as a clerk."
"We certainly have fallen in a clover bed," exclaimed his mother; "I don't know how to thank you."
"I guess I need you as much as you need me. And if the boy keeps honest and upright and doesn't take to gambling his fortune is made."
"But I shall go to the gold fields in the end," Dick said to his mother. She was satisfied to have it put off a while.