“I certainly will, and”—with a roguish twinkle in his handsome eyes—“when I get through college, if I am ever fortunate enough to have a home of my own and you are at liberty, I will give you an invitation to come and preside over my culinary department.”
“Do you mean it, honor bright, Cliff?” demanded Maria, straightening herself and looking him wistfully in the face.
“Of course I mean it, and would consider myself mighty lucky to get you,” he earnestly returned.
“Then shake on it,” said the woman, holding out one hard, red hand, while with the other she wiped away her tears, “and there ain’t the least shadow of a doubt but I’ll be at liberty when you want me.”
Clifford gave her a cordial grip; then, with a last good-by, he went away to Professor Harding’s home, where he was to remain until college opened; but he left a gleam of sunshine behind him that warmed and cheered Maria Kimberly’s lonely heart for years.
CHAPTER VI.
CLIFFORD GOES TO COLLEGE.
Upon his arrival at Professor Harding’s home Clifford received a most cordial welcome, and was at once made to feel that he was one of the family, and the atmosphere of peace and refinement of which he had always been conscious in connection with this household was most congenial to him.
The next day was spent in discussing plans for the future, laying out the work he was to do before the school year opened, and also in making himself useful to Mrs. Harding in a way that won him an even warmer place than he had yet occupied in her heart.
Saturday evening the much anticipated new suit was sent to him, and was duly admired by the whole family.