"I think I can stand it for once," rejoined Seth Lawton. "I am a little more scant of breath than when I was a young man, but I am still good for a climb."
Willie started ahead and the two visitors followed him.
"We will stop here on the landing till you have told your mother she is to have visitors," said Seth, considerately.
The boy opened a door and entered a rear room. He reappeared in a short time, and said: "Come in, please."
The room was neat, but the scanty and well-worn furniture showed evidences of dire poverty.
Mrs. Mead, a woman of forty, though poorly dressed, had a look of refinement, though her face was sad and anxious.
As she watched the entrance of the visitors her eyes seemed riveted upon Seth Lawton. She took a step forward.
"Surely," she said, "I cannot be deceived. This is Seth Lawton."
"You know me?" said Seth, in amazement.