Mr. Gray warmly expressed his thanks, and they proceeded to the consideration of the numberless matters which it was necessary to discuss.
In the morning, under the guidance of the agent, “Cobbler” Horn paid his promised visit to the old Hall. It was a venerable Elizabethan mansion, and, like everything else in the village that belonged to him, was sadly out of repair. As he entered the ancient pile, and passed from room to room, a purpose with regard to the old Hall which already vaguely occupied his mind, took definite shape; and he seemed to hear, in the empty rooms, the glad ring of children’s laughter and the patter of children’s feet. In memory of his long-lost Marian, and for the glory of the Divine Friend of children, the old Hall should be transformed into a Home for little ones who were homeless and without a friend.
As they drove to the station, a little later, he announced his attention, with regard to the Hall, to Mr. Gray.
“I shall leave the business in your hands, Mr. Gray. You must consult those who understand such things, and visit similar institutions, and turn the old place into the best ‘Children’s Home’ that can be produced.”
“Very well, sir; but the children?”
“That matter I will arrange myself.”
The agent was getting used to surprises; but the next that came almost took his breath away.
“I believe,” said “Cobbler” Horn, at the end of a brief silence, “that your salary, Mr. Gray, is £150 a year?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Well, I wish to increase the amount. Pray consider that you will receive, from this time, at the rate of £500 a year.”