"How is that?" asked the hermit, looking surprised.
"Because it has been sold. Squire Collins has bought it, and says that he is intending to enlarge it, and then let it to Mr. Lake, his foreman."
"And that is all your bad news?"
"Yes, sir; but I consider it bad enough. I don't know where I can go."
"I will let you have my cabin in the woods rent free," said the hermit, with a smile.
"I don't know but I shall have to go there," said the widow, sighing.
"You don't ask me what my good news is," said Anthony.
"I would like to hear it, sir."
"By day after to-morrow Mark will be home."
Mrs. Manning's face did brighten up at this intelligence.