"You'll help, won't you? I just couldn't have got all ready without you, and your men have taken as deep an interest as our own."
"Of course, the invitation amply rewards them—— By the way, Toney, I've got a personal present for you; will you accept it?"
He dived into a pocket and brought out a small box.
Toney opened it and drew forth a locket surrounded with small diamonds, and within it was a beautifully painted miniature of Toney's father.
The girl looked up suddenly and her eyes filled with tears. "Oh, Pups!" she gasped, "how did you get it?"
"Is it like? Mrs. Faber helped me. I believe she stole an old photograph you possess, and—you see your friends are all expert thieves!"
"I shall never forget this," she said, brushing the tears away with the back of her somewhat grimy hand, "and I shall always think of you two together. I think the artist must have been just inspired. If only he could come this evening, he'd have gone round to everyone of the guests and said something jolly."
"I'll try and take his place," said Lewis a little shyly, and then he seized a hammer and nails and was soon among the rafters with the other men. Sir Evas presently made his entrance and looked round.
"Why, Toney, this will be a fairy palace! I see you have already put your aunt's flowers in water."
"Yes, and look, uncle, at these leaves with them! I used to pick up the gold leaves when I was a tiny and bring them to Pups for his poor people. I really thought they were gold; but just see what Mr. Waycott has brought! Beautiful flowers to remind me of home, and crowds of orchids for your people to talk about. Isn't it scrumptious of him? He's done the real thinking."