"O, George, we were so afraid something might keep you away," said Alma, and as they ushered him in, she slipped away to the little kitchen, where the kettle seemed always to sing to her, "Home, sweet home."
Quickly she poured a cup of chocolate, and setting it on a dainty tray, she placed with it the cream, sugar and muffins, temptingly. This she took in to George.
He took it and looked from one to the other with a bright sympathy.
"I made these muffins myself," said Alma, laughing.
"Yes, and you ought to have seen Mus," said Harold, "She read the cook book about a dozen times, and then made three tins of muffins before they came out fluffy like. They're bully, though!"
When the tray was taken away, and Alma once more rejoined them, George said happily,
"I have only good news for you all. Everything is settled satisfactorily. Will, nothing will ever be brought up against you in any way. The bank officials sent their good wishes, and hope for your future success. I've also got a letter of introduction for you to present to a big firm here, which promises to give you a fair start in this city, where your name can be made anew."
He drew the letter from his pocket and handed it to Will.
Taking it, Will grasped George's hand in silence. He was too overcome for words.
Alma's eyes filled with happy tears.