noon
Dennis assured him with a significant glance , which Mr. Ludolph understood as referring to better fare , that `` he would grow strong fast now . '' Miss Ludolph was at once interested in the boy 's pale face and large , spiritual eyes ; and she resolved to sketch them before good living had destroyed the artistic effect . Under kindly instruction , the boy took readily to his duties , and promised soon to become very helpful . At noon Dennis took him out to lunch , and the poor , half-starved lad feasted as he had not for many a long day . The afternoon mail brought Dennis his mother 's letter , and he wondered that her prediction should be fulfilled even before it reached him , and thus again his faith was strengthened . He smiled and said to himself , `` Mother lives so near the heavenly land that she seems to get the news thence before any one else . '' During the day a lady who was talking to Mr. Ludolph turned and said to Dennis : `` How prettily you have arranged this table !