had formerly occupied, it did not seem possible that five years had
elapsed.

The second cause that had led Mrs. Hawkins to change the small and
modest sign--"Rooms and Board"--which had been in the front window
for years, for a large swinging sign over the front door--"Hawkins
House"--having large gold letters on a blue ground--was the rapid
growth of the town. Many new mills had been erected in the
neighbouring city of Cottonton. The operatives being unable to obtain
suitable accommodations in the city, had come to Fernborough to live,
where they could have gardens, fresh air, and playgrounds for their
children. Fernborough became to Cottonton what Methuen is to
Lawrence. Mrs. Hawkins was democratic, but shirt-sleeves and Prince
Albert coats did not look well together, so she had turned what had
been her sitting room into a private dining room, and it was here
that what she called her "star boarders" were served.

By the time Quincy and Alice had opened their trunks, and distributed
the contents in the capacious closet and deep, roomy bureau drawers,
the cheerful tones of the dinner bell were heard, and they descended
to the private room.

They were its only occupants.

"I thought as how you might be hungry after so long a ride an' so I
just hurried Jonas up so you could begin afore the crowd came in. I
don't introduce folks now I run a hotel. If they gets acquainted it's
their lookout not mine," and Mrs. Hawkins and Olive brought in the
fare from the adjoining kitchen.