somewhere. Every week it cost more and more to keep the old colored
woman in what Harry called "eating material."

"Her appetite must be increasing," said Harry; "she's eaten two pecks of
meal this week."

"I don't believe it," said Kate; "she couldn't do it. I believe she has
company."

And this turned out to be true.

On inquiry they found that Uncle Braddock was in the habit of taking his
meals with Aunt Matilda, sometimes three times a day. Now, Uncle
Braddock had a home of his own, where he could get his meals if he chose
to go after them, and Harry remonstrated with him on his conduct.

"Why, ye see, Mah'sr Harry," said the old man, "she's so drefful
lonesome down dar all by sheself, and sometimes it's a-rainin' an' a
long way fur me to go home and git me wrapper all wet jist fur one
little meal o' wittles. And when I see what you all is a-doin' fur her,
I feels dat I oughter try and do somethin' fur her, too, as long as I
kin; an' I can't expect to go about much longer, Mah'sr Harry; de ole
wrapper's pretty nigh gin out."

"I don't mind your taking your meals there, now and then," said Harry;
"but I don't want you to live there. We can't afford it."

"All right, Mah'sr Harry," said Uncle Braddock, and after that he never
came to Aunt Matilda's to meals more than five or six times a week.