"But, of course, he will know now."
"Certainly. I am going to live here."
John made no comments, but he thought it rather a strange state of things. However, they had by this time reached the Lane residence, and John, indicating it, gave the valise to Abel.
From the window Mrs. Lane saw the arrival of her son and opened the door for him. "Oh, my darling boy!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms about his neck. "So you have come home at last!"
"Don't choke me, mother," said Abel, impatiently. "It doesn't look well to hug a fellow in public."
"I can't help it, Abel. I am so delighted to see you. Come right in and sit down. Are you tired?"
"Rather. I say, mother, you are pretty well fixed here."
"Yes, Abel; you like the house, don't you?"
"Yes; it is ever so much better than that old, tumble-down house we lived in before you came to Portville."
"Hush! Don't let any one hear you refer to that."