CHRISTMAS EVE 191 



I fear, Doctor, it has exceeded me as well. 

 Jack is not to be trusted on all subjects. But, 

 indeed, I thank you for your hospitality ; it 

 was a godsend to me." 



As we entered the living room, Polly came 

 forward and I presented Jarvis to her. 



" You are more than welcome, Mr. Jarvis ! 

 Jack's < best friend ' is certain of a warm corner 

 at our fireside." 



" Madam, I find no word of thanks, but I do 

 thank you. - I have envied Jack his home letters 

 and the evidences of mother care more than any- 

 thing else, and God knows there are enough 

 other things to envy him for. I have no mother, 

 and my father is too busy to pay much attention 

 to me. I wish you would adopt me ; I'll try to 

 rival Jack in all that is dutiful." 



She did adopt him then and there, for who 

 could refuse such a son ! Brown hair, brown 

 eyes, brown skin, a frank, rugged, clean-shaven 

 face, features strong enough to excite criticism 

 and good enough to bear it ; broad-shouldered, 

 deep-chested, strong in arm and limb, he carried 

 his six feet of manhood like an Apollo in tweeds. 

 He was introduced to the girls, the men he 

 knew, but he was not so quick in his speeches 

 to them. Our Hercules was only mildly con- 

 scious of his merits, and was evidently relieved 

 when Jack hurried him off to his room to dress 

 for dinner. When he was fairly out of hearing 

 there was a chorus of comments. The girls 



