“Not unless you refuse to come to Philadelphia, too.”
“I am not sure whether I could find work there.”
“That shall be my care. I have another inducement. God has bestowed upon me a large share of this world's goods. I am thankful for it, since it will enable me in some slight way to express my sense of your great services to Ida. I own a neat brick house in a quiet street, which you will find more comfortable than this. Just before I left Philadelphia my lawyer drew up a deed of gift, conveying the house to you. It is Ida's gift, not mine. Ida, give this to Mr. Crump.”
The child took the parchment, and handed it to the cooper, who was bewildered by his sudden good fortune.
“This for me?” he said.
“It is the first installment of my debt of gratitude; it shall not be the last,” said Mrs. Clifton.
“How shall I thank you, madam?” said the cooper. “To a poor man this is, indeed, an acceptable gift.”
“By accepting it,” said Mrs. Clifton. “Let me add, for I know it will enhance the value of the gift in your eyes, that it is only five minutes' walk from my own house, and Ida will come and see you every day.”
“Yes, mamma,” said Ida; “I couldn't be happy away from father and mother and Jack, and Aunt Rachel.”
“You must introduce me to your Aunt Rachel,” said Mrs. Clifton, with a grace all her own.