"It is like your kind heart, Hugh. Let us go and tell him."

"We have been talking of you, Paul," said the sexton. "We have thought,
Hester and myself, that as you had no home and we no child, we should
all be the gainers by your staying with us. Do you consent?"

"Consent!" echoed Paul in joyful surprise. "How can I ever repay your
kindness?"

"If you are the boy we take you for, we shall feel abundantly repaid.
Hester, we can give Paul the little bedroom where--where John used to
sleep."

His voice faltered a little, for John was the name of his boy, who had
been drowned.




XVI.

YOUNG STUPID.


Paul found the sexton's dwelling very different from his last home, if
the Poorhouse under the charge of Mr. and Mrs. Mudge deserved such a
name. His present home was an humble one, but he was provided with every
needful comfort, and the atmosphere of kindness which surrounded him,
gave him a feeling of peace and happiness which he had not enjoyed for a
long time.