THE BEAUTIFUL LADDER. 
185 
the neighborhood. It has been thought best 
to give no intimation to the family of what is 
being done until all things are ready to place 
them in possession of their new home; but as 
you have been the most liberal donors in this 
movement, it has been thought only fitting and 
proper that we should ask your opinion on the 
subject, with the assurance that any suggestions 
which you may have to offer will be cheerfully 
accepted in the final arrangements.” 
Thank you,” was Davidson’s answer; “ ev¬ 
erything is as we would have it if we can pass 
unsuspected in the matter.” 
Thus far,” was Doctor Dean’s reply, “ you 
are all right—a fact which, perhaps, will not 
increase your respect for our gift of penetration. 
When pressed for the names of the kind friends 
who have mainly aided in making this purchase, 
I have replied that I was not at liberty to give 
names, and could only state that the funds came 
from friends of the family who resided at a dis¬ 
tance. On this information the neighbors have 
generally accepted the conclusions of the wid¬ 
ow, that she is indebted to some of her Eastern 
friends who knew her in better days.” 
“All this is very well,” said Rudolph, “ex- 
16 * 
