There were two rooms adjoining at one end of the attic. They were small and had dormer windows. In each was a cot bed about two feet wide.
"Is this the spare room, Gerald?" asked Mr. Crane, with a smile.
"Your sister doesn't treat you with much ceremony, Mr. Crane."
"No, that ain't Melindy's way. Howsomever I reckon I can sleep pretty sound in this little bed, if I don't tumble out."
"I hope you are not sorry for your visit"
"Sorry? I reckon not, when I carry back money enough to rebuild my shop—no thanks to Melindy, though."
"Well, I will bid you good night, and wish you a sound sleep."
"Thank you, Gerald. The same to you, my boy!"
Gerald went down-stairs and found Mrs. Lane and Abel preparing to go to bed. He took a lamp and went up-stairs. From the force of habit he was about to go into the room which had always been his, but remembered himself in time and turned into the little bedroom. He heard Abel moving about in his old room, and his thoughts were bitter.
"My place is taken by a stranger," he said. "How long shall I be able to stand it? Once I had a home, but now all is changed!"