He thrust his hands in his trouser-pockets and, spreading his legs wide apart, tilted his head back and blew smoke to the ceiling. He was in the same easy position when Ethel arrived home accompanied by Mr. Potter. “It’s—it’s your Uncle Gussie,” said Mrs. Spriggs, as the girl stood eying the visitor. “From Australia,” said her husband, thickly. Mr. Price smiled, and his niece, noticing that he removed his pipe and wiped his lips with the back of his hand, crossed over and kissed his eyebrow. Mr. Potter was then introduced and received a gracious reception, Mr. Price commenting on the extraordinary likeness he bore to a young friend of his who had just come in for forty thousand a year. “That’s nearly as much as you’re worth, uncle, isn’t it?” inquired Miss Spriggs, daringly. Mr. Price shook his head at her and pondered. “Rather more,” he said, at last, “rather more.” [Illustration: “Mr. Potter was then introduced and received a gracious reception.”] Mr. Potter caught his breath sharply; Mr. Spriggs, who was stooping to get a light for his pipe, nearly fell into the fire. There was an impressive silence. “Money isn’t everything,” said Mr. Price, looking round and shaking his head. “It’s not much good, except to give away.” His eye roved round the room and came to rest finally upon Mr. Potter. The young man noticed with a thrill that it beamed with benevolence. “Fancy coming over without saying a word to anybody, and taking us all by surprise like this!” said Ethel. “I felt I must see you all once more before I died,” said her uncle, simply. “Just a flying visit I meant it to be, but your father and mother won’t hear of my going back just yet.” “Of course not,” said Ethel, who was helping the silent Mrs. Spriggs to lay supper. “When I talked of going your father ’eld me down in my chair,” continued the veracious Mr. Price. “Quite right, too,” said the girl. “Now draw your chair up and have some supper, and tell us all about Australia.” Mr. Price drew his chair up, but, as to talking about Australia, he said ungratefully that he was sick of the name of the place, and preferred instead to discuss the past and future of Mr. Potter. He learned, among other things, that that gentleman was of a careful and thrifty disposition, and that his savings, augmented by a lucky legacy, amounted to a hundred and ten pounds. “Alfred is going to stay with Palmer and Mays for another year, and then we shall take a business of our own,” said Ethel. “Quite right,” said Mr. Price. “I like to see young people make their own way,” he added meaningly. “It’s good for ’em.”