Ralph seemed to agree with her , for , leaning on the gate , he lingered to say , with real sympathy in his tone and something else in his face , `` Yes , I should ; so you write and tell me all about it . I did n't know you had any worries , for you always seemed like one of the happiest people in the world , with so many to pet and care for you , and plenty of money , and nothing very hard or hateful to do . You 'd think you were well off if you knew as much about poverty and work and never getting what you want , as I do . '' `` You bear your worries so well that nobody knows you have them . I ought not to complain , and I wo n't , for I do have all I need . I 'm so glad you are going to get what you want at last ; '' and Merry held out her hand to say good-night , with so much pleasure in her face that Ralph could not make up his mind to go just yet . `` I shall have to scratch round in a lively way before I do get it , for David says a fellow ca n't live on less than four or five hundred a year , even living as poor artists have to , in garrets and on crusts . I do n't mind as long as Grandma is all right . She is away to-night , or I should not be here , '' he added , as if some excuse was necessary . Merry needed no hint , for her tender heart was touched by the vision of her friend in a garret , and she suddenly rejoiced that there was ham and eggs for supper , so that he might be well fed once , at least , before he went away to feed on artistic crusts . `` Being here , come in and spend the evening . The boys will like to hear the news , and so will father . Do , now . '' It was impossible to refuse the invitation he had been longing for , and in they went to the great delight of Roxy , who instantly retired to the pantry , smiling significantly , and brought out the most elaborate pie in honor of the occasion . Merry touched up the table , and put a little vase of flowers in the middle to redeem the vulgarity of doughnuts . Of course the boys upset it , but as there was company nothing was said , and Ralph devoured his supper with the appetite of a hungry boy , while watching Merry eat bread and cream out of an old-fashioned silver porringer , and thinking it the sweetest sight he ever beheld . Then the young people gathered about the table , full of the new plans , and the elders listened as they rested after the week 's work . A pleasant evening , for they all liked Ralph , but as the parents watched Merry sitting among the great lads like a little queen among her subjects , half unconscious as yet of the power in her hands , they nodded to one another , and then shook their heads as if they said , -- `` I 'm afraid the time is coming , mother . '' `` No danger as long as she do n't know it , father . '' At nine the boys went off to the barn , the farmer to wind up the eight-day clock , and the housewife to see how the baked beans and Indian pudding for to-morrow were getting on in the oven .
XXXXX took up his hat to go , saying as he looked at the shade on the tall student lamp , -- `` What a good light that gives !
Ralph crusts doughnuts eight-day evening garret garrets porringer pudding year