“Yes,” said Grandmother, “this young musician supports his mother.  My daughter-in-law says that the mother comes from a good old family.  She and Mrs. Hollister were at school together in Elmira, New York state.  Then when my son married Bella this lady was her bridesmaid.  Bella said she was a raving beauty, but she married a man who drank himself to death, leaving her with her child alone in the world and without a penny.  The boy was musical and someone taught him how to play.  He used to go to school through the day and practice at night.  Then he graduated and obtained a position as clerk, receiving a very moderate salary.  Bella met them one night in the cars and had them come up to the house.  She did all that she could for them, and employed him every time she had a tea or needed music.  He played well and was glad to get his little three dollars.  I know that Bella always sent home a box of refreshments to the mother.”

“Well, I shall persuade them to go back wid me, and they’ll have enough then, I’m thinkin’.”

“Mr. Casey, you are a good man,” said Aunt Susan.  “The world would be better if we had more like you.”

“But, Mrs. Carpenter, I think this way.  The Lord has been good to me.  He has caused me to prosper.  Why should I consider it all me own?  No, I think whenever I can help a fellow man He expects me to do so—­that’s all—­and I try to make good.”

The elderly women made no reply.  He was a rough self-made man—­a Roman Catholic, although not a churchman, who could give them points on charity and who did his good deeds quietly and without boasting.  Mr. Casey was a Scout, although not a young one, for that was the way they were taught to do their good deeds.

Upon their arrival home he directed the chauffeur to get his dinner or luncheon and return, and after the Hollister luncheon, Nora, Harvey, Ethel and Tom went to Van Courtlandt Park, where there was skating, returning in time for six o’clock dinner.

“I think, ma’am,” said Mr. Casey, “we have monopolized your car pretty well, and you never have been inside of it.”

“But I’m too busy, Mr. Casey.  Today is Christmas and I love to view it from the window.  Just to think that it belongs to me!  I can’t realize it.  Mr. Casey, you are my fairy Godfather and nothing else.  How can I ever repay you?”

“By always being a mother to my girl, ma’am, as ye have been since she met ye.  Why, ye deserve a whole garage of automobiles for the kindness ye’ve shown her, and see the good man she now has through ye.  Don’t thank me, ma’am.  It’s ourselves who can’t thank ye enough.”

CHAPTER XVIII

ANOTHER SURPRISE

After a delicious Christmas dinner the Bigelows came over.  They welcomed and embraced Nora.  Mrs. Bigelow really seemed sincere on this occasion.  Mr. Casey liked them at once, especially Mr. Bigelow and Nannie.