"Sit down and eat this ice cream Miss M'ri sent--no, I mean Joe Forbes sent you. There was more, but I sold it for half a dollar; and here's a pail of eggs and a drawing of tea she wants you to sample. She says she is no judge of black tea." "Joe Forbes!" exclaimed his mother interestedly. "I thought maybe he would be coming back to look after the estate. Is he going to stay?" "I'll tell you all about him, mother, if you will sit down." He began a vigorous turning of the wringer. The patient, tired-looking eyes of the woman brightened as she dished out a saucer of the cream. The weariness in the sensitive lines of her face and the prominence of her knuckles bore evidence of a life of sordid struggle, but, above all, the mother love illumined her features with a flash of radiance. "You're a good provider, David; but tell me where you have been for so long, and where did you see Joe?" He gave her a faithful account of his dinner at the Brumble farm and his subsequent meeting with Joe, working the wringer steadily as he talked. "There!" he exclaimed with a sigh of satisfaction, "they are ready for the line, but before I hang them out I am going to cook your dinner." "I am rested now, David. I will cook me an egg." "No, I will," insisted the boy, going to the stove. A few moments later, with infinite satisfaction, he watched her partake of crisp toast, fresh eggs, and savory tea. "Did you see Jud and Janey?" she asked suddenly. "No; they were at school." "David, you shall go regularly to school next fall." "No," said David stoutly; "next fall I am going to work regularly for some of the farmers, and you are not going to wash any more." Her eyes grew moist. "David, will you always be good--will you grow up to be as good a man as I want you to be?" "How good do you want me to be?" he asked dubiously. A radiant and tender smile played about her mouth. "Not goodygood, David; but will you always be honest, and brave, and kind, as you are now?" "I'll try, mother." "And never forget those who do you a kindness, David; always show your gratitude." "Yes, mother." "And, David, watch your temper and, whatever happens, I shall have no fears for your future." His mother seldom talked to him in this wise. He thought about it after he lay in his little cot in the sitting room that night; then his mind wandered to Joe Forbes and his wonderful tales of the West. He fell asleep to dream of cowboys and prairies. When he awoke the sun was sending golden beams through the eastward window. "Mother isn't up," he thought in surprise. He stole quietly out to the kitchen, kindled a fire with as little noise as possible, put the kettle over, set the table, and then went into the one tiny bedroom where his mother lay in her bed, still--very still. "Mother," he said softly. There was no response. "Mother," he repeated. Then piercingly, in excitement and fear, "Mother!" At last he knew.