CHRISTMAS EVE 191 
“JT 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 
tome. 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 
