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THE ARRIVAL. 79
CHARTER: XL.
A welcome to the homestead —
The gables and the’ trees;
And welcome to the true hearts,-
As the sunshine and the breeze.
One bright morning, several weeks after Mr. Danforth’s attack, .
the three were seated in their favorite nook in the garden,
It was a holiday with Sarah; there were no lessons to study; no
exercises to practice; no duty more irksome than that of reading
the newspaper aloud to the old gentleman, who particularly fancied
her fresh, happy voice. is
Mrs. Danforth was occupied with her knitting, and Sarah sat at
their feet upon a low stool, looking so much like a favorite young
relative that it was no wonder if the old pair forgot that she was un-
connected with them save by the bonds of affection, and regarded
her as being, in reality, as much a part of their, family as they con-
_silered her in their hearts. --:
While they sat there, some sudden noise attracted Mrs. Danforth’s
attention; she rose and went into the house so quictly that the oth-
ers scarcely noticed her departure.
It was not long before she came out again, walking very hastily
for her, and with such a tremulous flutter in her manner, that Sa-
rah regarded her in surprise.
“William !°? she said to her husband, * William!”
"He roused himself from the partial doze into which he had fallen,
and looked up.
** Did you speak to me?’ he asked.
“*T have good news for you. Don’t be agitated — it is all pleasant.’’
He struggled up! from his seat, steadying his trembling hands up-
on his staff. a
‘* My boy has come!’ he exclaimed louder and more clearly
than he had spoken for weeks; ‘* William, my boy!’ ~
At the summons, 2 young man came out of the house and ran
toward them. The old gentleman flung his arms about his neck
and strained him close to his heart.
‘My boy !”? was all he could say; ** my William !”’
When they had all grown somewhat calmer, Mrs. Danforth called
Sarah, who was standing at a little distance.
‘<I want you to know and thank this young lady, W illiam, ”? she
said; ‘* your grandfather and I owe her a great deal.”
“She gave him a brief account of the old gentleman’s fall, and
Sarah’s presence of'mind; but the girl’s crimson checks warned
her to pause.
‘* No words can repay such kindness,’’ said the young man, as
he relinquished her hand, over which he had bowed wich the cero-
onions respect of the time. —
=,