Checking himself, he drew a long breath, then asked, quietly, "Does father expect me to come down-stairs this evening ?" "Well, I think he does," she answered.

"You see, it's the 'house-warming,' as he calls it, and he said he thinks all our chuldern ought to be around us, as well as the old friends and other folks.

It's just what he thinks you need--to take an interest and liven up.

You don't feel too bad to come down, do you ?" "Mother ?" "Well ?" "Take a good look at me," he said.
"Oh, see here!" she cried, with brusque cheerfulness.

"You're not so bad off as you think you are, Bibbs.