There were none of the ladies there, but Mr.
Kennedy, the host, was among his friends.

A large drag with four horses was there to take the travellers and their luggage to the station, and there was naturally a good deal of noise at the front door as the preparations for the departure were made.

In the middle of them Mr.Kennedy took our hero aside.

"Laura has told me," said Mr.Kennedy, "that she has acquainted you with my good fortune." "And I congratulate you most heartily," said Phineas, grasping the other's hand.

"You are indeed a lucky fellow." "I feel myself to be so," said Mr.Kennedy.