"A year ago. Her death was a great loss to me, as Charlie has been away from home so much, and father is all day in the city."
"Are there no boys round here that you can play with?"
"There are boys, but I can't join in their sports, on account of my lameness."
"I wonder whether he will like the idea of my staying with him," thought Sam. "We could have good times together."
They went out to the stable, and looked about till the supper-bell rang. Everything was well arranged, and on a scale which indicated that Mr. Brown was a man of wealth.
More and more Sam though he would like to live there.
Entering the dining-room, where the supper was provided, they found the older brother already present.
"Have you two boys got acquainted?" he asked.
"Yes," said Arthur; "it didn't take us long. I've been showing Sam the stable."
"How do you like what you have seen?" asked the sophomore.