“I don’t want to brag,” said Mr. Frump, “but it is well enough to have it understood that I made my pile.”

Mr. Frump nodded his head quietly, as one who does not lie.

Old Van Quintem had hitherto hesitated to congratulate Mrs. Frump upon the reacquisition of her husband.  He now advanced, and shook her warmly by the hand.

“I wish you joy,” said he.  “And you too, Mr. Frump.  I never had the pleasure of meeting you often, though I had frequently heard of you.  With regard to those unpleasant family difficulties in which you became involved, they are now at an end; for Gusty’s parents are both dead, and the old house and farm are sold.  Let bygones be bygones.”

“So say I, Mr. Van Quintem,” said Mr. Frump, grasping the extended hand.  “As for my wife’s relatives, I’m sure I allers forgave ’em.  As for the old house and farm, if you like, Gusty, we’ll buy it back agin.”

Mrs. Frump, still resting on her husband’s shoulder, sobbed a little, and clung closer about him.

“Here is one friend of the family,” continued Amos, in his pleasantest manner, pointing to Matthew, “whom I don’t know by name, though we’ve scraped an off-hand ’quaintance.”

“Mr. Frump—­Matthew Maltboy, Esq.,” said old Van Quintem.

Matthew, like Mrs. Frump, had fully appreciated the awkwardness of his situation, and had kept a rigid silence since the returned Californian resumed possession of his wife.  The minute after Mr. Frump’s identity had been established, Matthew could have hugged him with ecstasy.  But, having lost the widow, his fickle mind straightway began to discover in her a great many excellencies that he had never seen before.  Therefore, when he submitted his hand to the grip of Mr. Frump, his face expressed a strangely mingled joy and regret.

“I like you,” said Mr. Frump, “and, as soon as wifey and I commence housekeepin’ agin, I’ll expect lots o’ visits from you.  Whenever I’m not at home, wifey’ll make everything comfortable.  Won’t you, dear?”

“If you wish it,” replied Mrs. Frump, looking up into his face, which was not a repulsive one, “for your word shall always be my law.”

“I must say,” said Matthew, his face exhibiting unqualified admiration for Mr. Frump, “that you are the most generous man I ever met.  And, if Mrs. Frump will promise to introduce me to some nice young woman, that she could recommend for a wife, perhaps I’ll accept your invitation.”

“I’ll get you a wife in less than a week,” said Mrs. F., who was rejoiced that the interview between her recovered husband and late suitor had ended peacefully.

“But one thing you haven’t yet explained, Amos,” said old Van Quintem.  “How did you get into Crumley’s employment?”