"I hope he will. He was my poor mother's favorite brother—always kind and good-hearted. How is he looking, Bert?"
"He seems in good health for an old man. His face is browned up, as if he had been out in the open air a good deal."
"I hope he has. It is twenty-five years since he went to California. Does he look as if he had prospered?"
"I am afraid he is poor, mother, for although his clothing is neat and clean, it is plain and the cloth is faded?"
"I am sorry to hear that, but I will welcome him none the less warmly. It will indeed seem like old times to have Uncle Jacob in my house."
Meanwhile Bert had been bringing in wood and doing chores for his mother.
"Did Uncle Jacob tell you how long he intended to stay in Lakeville?"
"No, mother; I only had a short time to talk with him when Percy rode by, and then he started to call on the squire. Do you know, mother, I am rather surprised that he should have been so well received, poor as he looks."
"I think better of Albert for it. It shows that he is not so worldly as I feared. Certainly Uncle Jacob ought to be well received by Albert Marlowe, for when Albert's father was in trouble Jacob lent him five hundred dollars—all in money he had—and I feel sure the money has not been repaid to him to this day."
"I don't think Percy will be very cordial. You know what high notions he has."