Casper’s mother was there, standing just inside the door and smiling on them all. She gave her hand to Dick and his friends as her son presented her. There were also two other middle-aged ladies who were present as chaperons.
“I’m very glad to meet Dick Merriwell,” said Mrs. Steele. “You won’t mind if I call you Dick, will you? You see, I’ve heard Casper call you that so often that it’s most natural for me.”
“I am genuinely complimented to know that you wish to call me by my Christian name, Mrs. Steele,” he bowed.
“You must make yourself at home—you and your friends. I hope you all have a pleasant time at Meadwold.”
“That is assured already, madam. I’ve had one of the most delightful surprises of my life.”
Steele took Dick, Brad, Rob, and Tommy upstairs to the room they were to occupy.
“You see, we’re a bit crowded,” he explained. “There are two beds here and a bath adjoining. I think you’ll be comfortable.”
“Comfortable!” said the Texan, looking around. “Great horn spoon, I should say so! Why, this is great for a man who has found comfort sleeping in a blanket, with his boots for his pillow and the ground for his bed.”
“Well, I’m certainly glad I came,” said Tucker. “Isn’t it great, boys?”
“It reminds me of hospitality in old Virginia, gentlemen,” came from Claxton. “I didn’t suppose they had anything like it in your cold and reserved North.”