soon as he could command his thoughts, Piers made for the shortest
way, and hurried on.

Mrs. Otway admitted him; Alexander, she said, was away on business,
but would soon return. On entering the large room, Piers was
startled at the change in its appearance. The well-carpeted floor,
the numerous chairs of inviting depth and softness, the
centre-table, the handsome bureau, the numerous pictures, and a
multitude of knickknacks not to be taken in at one glance, made it
plain that most of the money he had lent his brother had been
expended at once in this direction. Bridget stood watching his face,
and at the first glimmer of a smile broke into jubilation. What did
he think? How did he like it? Wasn't it a room to be proud of? She
knew it would do his kind heart good to see such splendours! Let him
sit down--after selecting his chair--and take it all in whilst
she got some tea. No wonder it took away his breath! She herself had
hardly yet done gazing in mute ecstasy.

"It's been such a feast for my eyes, Mr. Piers, that I've scarcely
wanted to put a bit in my mouth since the room was finished!"

When Alexander arrived, he greeted his brother as though with
rapturous congratulation; one would have thought some great good
fortune had befallen the younger man.

"Biddy!" he shouted, "I've a grand idea! We'll celebrate the
occasion with a dinner out; we'll go to a restaurant. Hanged if you
shall have the trouble of cooking on such a day as this! Get ready;
make yourself beautiful--though you're always that. We'll dine
early, as Piers has to leave us at nine o'clock."