A flush suffused the boy's face.
"If you really think that I could do for you what you want done, Mr. Curtis——"
"I don't think, I know!"
"Then I'd like to come, sir."
"That's right! It will be a weight off my mind. The doctor says that for some months I must still go easy. You can save both my time and my strength. I like you and I believe you like me; that is half the battle in working with any one. We will send to your uncle's for your trunk and whatever else you have."
"There isn't much else but some books," answered Giusippe. "I have been buying a few from time to time as I could afford them."
"Box them up and send them over. Send everything. This is to be your future home, you understand. And by the by, we'll give you that other room adjoining your bedroom. You will need a bit more space. I will have a desk and some book-shelves put in there."
"Thank you, sir."
"We'll call that settled, then. It is going to be very helpful to have you right here on the spot. It is the person who aims to be of service who is really valuable in the world. Look at Jean. In her way she has been doing the same thing that you have. When she found I was in a hole and needed her she gave up her vacation in the East without a murmur. I sha'n't forget it, either. Come in, missy. I'm talking about you."
Jean, who had paused on the threshold of the room, entered smiling.