Eliza looked with disfavor at the rough greyish plaster.
"'Twould be more cheerful with some real pretty pattern," she said.
Phil laughed and caught Pluto by the back of the neck as he was passing, and lifted him over into the hollow of his arm.
"I like it this way," he explained.
Eliza looked down at him admiringly. "I wish Mrs. Ballard could see you now," she said.
"I wish she knew what she has done for me. It seems as if this is the first time since my childhood that I have known peace."
At the word there came a sound of voices from below.
"The expressman!" exclaimed Phil, and springing to his feet opened the door.
"Sure; go right up," they heard in Pat's rich brogue.
"I'd better help him," said Phil, and went to the head of the stair.