“Thank you both,” said Gilbert. “I suppose there isn’t such a thing as three playing a game of checkers. That would bring us all in.”
“No,” said Laura; “but we can play the Mansion of Happiness, if Fred is willing.”
“I don’t mind,” said Fred. “That’s good fun, too.”
So the game referred to was brought out, and an hour was consumed in this way. Fred, to his great delight, was the victor each time, and was disposed to exult over his vanquished opponents.
“Never mind, Fred; it will be our turn next time,” said Laura.
At half-past nine Gilbert set out for home. He felt that he had passed a pleasant evening, and was cheered by the thought that his discharge had not alienated these true friends from him.
Two days later he went into the office of Mr. Briggs. He was accustomed to make a weekly call, when Mr. Briggs would give him money to pay his week’s board.
“Is Mr. Briggs in?” he asked, after looking about him in vain for that gentleman.
“Mr. Briggs will not be in for a long time,” said the clerk addressed. “He has gone to Europe.”
“Gone to Europe!” exclaimed Gilbert, in genuine astonishment.