L. Frank Baum

“ Merrick a paper.
"He's waiting, sir," said he, ambiguously.
"Oh, Tom—Tom!" cried Joe Wegg, rising to throw his arms around the old man's neck, "I'm rich, Tom—all my troubles are over—and Mr. Merrick has done it all—for Ethel and me!"
The ever smiling face of the ancient retainer did not change, but his eyes softened and filled with tears as he hugged the boy close to his breast.
"God be praised. Joe!" he said in a low voice. "I allus knew the Merricks 'd bring us luck."
"What the devil does this mean?" demanded Uncle John at this juncture, as he fluttered the paper and glared angrily around. ”

“ The young folks arrived without any idea of receiving more than a good dinner and the pleasure of mingling with the cordial, kindly household at the farm; but the general air of hilarity and good fellowship pervading the family circle this evening inspired the guests with like enthusiasm, and no party could be merrier than the one that did full justice to Mary's superior cookery. ”

“ Merrick is most disgracefully rich already."
"That's true," sighed the little millionaire. "So it will be a royalty, Joe. We are paying the same percentage to Bob West for the Almaquo tract, but yours is so much better that I am sure your earnings will furnish you and Ethel with all the income you need." ”