that long before you went away to the war a stranger came to see me
one day--a stout man, with white hair and dark eyes. Do you not
remember? Well, I did not tell you then, because I was unable to
believe, that he came to bring the good news. But he came again
after you left us, and brought me money--a draft on account. For
us it was a very large sum, indeed. You know we have always been
so poor, and we knew that when the war was over there would be more
and a-plenty coming. So, what were we to do? 'We will build a
home,' said I; 'we will enjoy life as much as possible. We will
surprise Ramon. When he returns from the war he shall see it, and
be very happy.' The architect came with the builders, and, voila!
the house is ready, and you are here, and after so long it is
better than a fortune to see you. I thought you would never come."

She covered her face a moment, while my father rose abruptly and
left the room. I kissed the dear hands that long since had given
to heavy toil their beauty and shapeliness.

But enough of this, for, after all, it is neither here nor there.
Quick and unexpected fortune came to many a pioneer, as it came to
my mother, by inheritance, as one may see if he look only at the
records of one court of claims--that of the British.

"Before long you may wish to marry," said my mother, as she looked
up at me proudly, "and you will not be ashamed to bring your wife
here."

I vowed, then and there, I should make my own fortune,--I had
Yankee enough in me for that,--but, as will be seen, the wealth of
heart and purse my mother had, helped in the shaping of my destiny.