ome would be, and why this stranger had taken such an unusual
interest in an old pauper.

It did not take them long to reach Mrs. Bean's house, where they drew
up before the gate. It was a small, humble abode, but everything about
the place was scrupulously neat and clean. Flowers bloomed in front of
the house, while several large trees stood a short distance away.
Under one of these they saw old David sitting in a rocking-chair with
Betty by his side. She had been reading to him but had laid down her
book to look at the car, which was an unusual thing in that settlement.
Seeing Jasper, she sprang quickly to her feet with a cry of delight,
and hurried toward the road. Her face was aglow with excitement, and
Mr. Westcote thought that he had never beheld a more perfect picture of
radiant health and beauty.

"This is the young woman I was speaking to you about," Jasper remarked,
as he stepped from the car.

"I am delighted to meet you," and Mr. Westcote held out his hand. "I
have heard about you, and have been quite anxious to see you. How are
you making out with your new charge?"

"Great," and a smile wreathed the girl's face. "He is so happy here,
and likes for me to read to him. But he is so funny at times, and
interrupts me to ask questions."

"What about?" Mr. Westcote enquired.

"Oh, about Break Neck Falls. He wants to know if I can hear the water
speaking, and, of course, I always do," she added with a slight laugh.
"He wanted me to go there this morning, but as mother and the boys are
away I could not leave, so I am trying to satisfy him by reading."

"Would your mother be willing to keep him for a time, do you think?"
Jasper asked, "that is, if she were paid enough?"

"I'm afraid not," and the girl's eyes roamed in a thoughtful manner
toward where David was sitting. "You see, our house is too small, and
there is hardly room enough as it is. And besides, we are too far away
from the Falls. Mr. David needs to be quite near so that he can visit
the place whenever he takes the notion, which is quite often. That is
the only thing which will make him happy."

"Quite right," Mr. Westcote assented. "He should live as near as
possible. But may we see your charge?" he asked.

"Certainly," and Betty at once led the way across the field to the big
shady tree.

Old David, seeing them coming, rose to meet them. He stood very erect
and dignified as Jasper took his hand, and then introduced Mr.
Westc