CHAPTER XXI
IN WHICH A TELEPHONE CALL PRODUCES SOME UNEXPECTED RESULTS
Herbert returned to New York from Cleverly in the gayest of spirits. He was happier than he had been for years, and was filled with a desire to communicate this light-hearted feeling to everyone that he met. The fact that the long standing cloud had been removed from the memory of his father made him forget his own troubles for the time at least. A week before everything had appeared dark and gloomy; but now the dawn had arrived and the earth assumed a cheerful appearance. With the light-heartedness of youth, he looked forward to a future of prosperity and uninterrupted happiness.
The time was within a month of Christmas, and before leaving Cleverly he had exacted a promise from his mother that she would come to New York on the eve of the festival and stay with him over the holidays. He was already mentally planning out the treat that would be given her on her arrival in the metropolis. It was in this mood that he hurried to his apartments. He found Tomlin at home, and opening and closing the door boisterously, shouted:
“Hello Tomlin, old fellow! I want you to jump up and shake hands with a very happy man.”
Tomlin did jump up and did shake hands with his friend; but he said nothing, gazing on the other with an expectant air. Receiving no response to his silent inquiry, he asked:
“Have you fallen heir to a fortune?”
“No,” said Herbert, “something better than that.”
“Have you obtained a permanent position on one of the big papers?”
“No,” replied Herbert, and this time a little sadly, “not that.”
“Well, what in the world is it?” asked the other.