When the set broke up it was to assemble round the fruitcake, which was cut up by Chester in broad, liberal slices, and then, after another dance, and a plaintive song from the widow, Chester's birth-day party broke up, leaving him alone with the family.
The old artist waited at the head of the stairs, and young Farnham, who had remained a moment to speak with Chester, found him leaning against the banisters as he came out.
"Good night," said the young lad with gentle respect, pausing in hope of being addressed.
The artist took the extended hand, and held it between his, without speaking. Fred felt those old hands tremble.
"Shall I never see you again?" inquired the artist.
"Will you let me come and see you?" asked the lad joyfully.
"Come, come! it will be like the break of day after a dark night."
"I will come," said the youth earnestly.
Still the artist kept the boy's hand in his clasp. At length he bent forward and kissed the lad upon his forehead.
"God bless you—the God of Heaven bless you!" he said in a low, solemn voice, and the old man glided away through the dark hall, leaving Frederick strongly affected by the interview.