I own a neat brick house in a quiet
street, which you will find more comfortable than this. Just before
I left Philadelphia my lawyer drew up a deed of gift, conveying the
house to you. It is Ida's gift, not mine. Ida, give this to Mr.
Crump."
The child took the parchment, and handed it to the cooper, who was
bewildered by his sudden good fortune.
"This for me?" he said.
"It is the first installment of my debt of gratitude; it shall not
be the last," said Mrs. Clifton.
"How shall I thank you, madam?" said the cooper. "To a poor man this
is, indeed, an acceptable gift."
"By accepting it," said Mrs. Clifton. "Let me add, for I know it
will enhance the value of the gift in your eyes, that it is only
five minutes' walk from my own house, and Ida will come and see you
every day."
"Yes, mamma," said Ida; "I couldn't be happy away from father and
mother and Jack, and Aunt Rachel."
"You must introduce me to your Aunt Rachel," said Mrs. Clifton, with
a grace all her own.
Ida did so.
"I am glad to make your acquaintance, Miss Rachel," said Mrs.
Clifton. "I need not say that I shall be glad to see you, as well as
Mr. and Mrs. Crump, at my house very frequently."
"I'm much obleeged to you," said Aunt Rachel; "but I don't think I
shall live long to go anywhere. The feelin's I have, sometimes warn
me that I'm not long for this world.
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