“Every one is very kind; I never knew such hospitality. We have had offers of help from near and far, and a score of homes are open to us. In time I know we shall be very happy here, though at first one naturally misses some things.” “Yes,” Parker nodded in response. “One misses a great many things; I felt so; but it is a great country, after all, and there are better chances here than at home; that is plain to be seen by the way the people are flocking from the east and south. I should not be surprised if we would soon become a state.” “It certainly seems as if a lot of people were coming,” Agnes ventured to say. “I hardly ever go to the M’Cleans’ but I hear of new arrivals, and every day we see the broads go by on the river. Ah, yes, we were wise to come, mother.” Her mother wondered if it were so, as she saw the light that had gathered in her girl’s eyes since this young man had come in. He was a gentleman, surely, just such as might win the heart of a trusting little lass, but she must be watchful lest the child should come to have heartache. “I have a bit of a cabin started, and will be at home very shortly,” the young man told them in answer to their questions, “and in the meantime I shall stay at Dod Hunter’s. Jerry and the other boys are helping me, and I shall soon be having my own fireside.” “An’ you’ll be invitin’ us over to sup,” said Polly, who had joined them. “Yes, if you will cook the supper, I’ll provide anything you say, and we can have a little housewarming that will suit the size of the house.” “Deed, an’ I’ll cook annything, an’ we’ll show Mrs. Kennedy how a clearin’ looks before it’s cleared. Will ye be takin’ yer belongin’s this trip?” “I may as well; I’ve not much of a bundle, but I’ve trespassed upon your space long enough.” “Run get the little box up aloft, Agnes,” said Polly. “I’ve kept that by itsel’ knowin’ ye valued it, an’ the rest, a little fardle o’ things, I’ve in the lean-to.” “No, don’t trouble yourself, Agnes,” Parker hastened to say, but she was already halfway up the ladder. It was pleasant to be able to do him even this slight service.