"I am always open to a good offer."
"It's this: I'm one size larger than you, and my last year's suits
are in that wardrobe. If any will fit you, they are yours."
"Thank you, Oscar," said Harry; "I'll accept your offer to-morrow."
"Why not to-day?"
"You may not understand me, but when I first appear before your
family, I don't want to wear false colors."
"I understand," said Oscar, with instinctive delicacy.
An hour later, the bell rang for dinner.
Harry went down, and was introduced to his friend's mother and
sister. The former was a true lady, refined and kindly, and her
smile made our hero feel quite at home.
"I am glad to meet you, Mr. Walton," she said. "Oscar has spoken of
you frequently."
With Oscar's sister Maud--a beautiful girl two years younger than
himself--Harry felt a little more bashful; but the young lady soon
entered into an animated conversation with him.
"Do you often come to Boston, Mr. Walton?" she asked.
"This is my first visit," said Harry.
"Then I dare say Oscar will play all sorts of tricks upon you. We
had a cousin visit us from the country, and the poor fellow had a
hard time."
"Yes," said Oscar, laughing, "I used to leave him at a street corner,
and dodge into a doorway. It was amusing to see his perplexity when
he looked about, and couldn't find me."
"Shall you try that on me?" asked Harry.
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