the same moment the tea equipage was brought in, and Cecil, quite
naturally, and as a matter of course, began to preside over the low
table, while Raymond took his accustomed chair on the further side
of his mother's sofa, where he could lean over the arm and study her
countenance, while she fondled the hand that he had hung over the
back. He was describing the welcome at the station, and all through
the village--the triumphal arches and shouts.

"But how they _did_ miss you, mother," said Charlie. "Old Gurnet
wrung my hand in tears as he said, 'Yes, sir, 'tis very fine, but it
beats the heart out of it that madam bain't here to see.'"

"Good old Gurnet!" responded Raymond. "They are famously loyal.
The J. C. P. crowned all above all the Cs and Rs, I was happy to
see."

"J. was for Julius--not Julia," said the mother.

"No; J. H. C. and R. C. had a separate device of roses all to
themselves. Hark! is that a cheer beginning again? Had we not
better go into the drawing-room, mother? it will be so many for you
all together."

"Oh no, I must see you all."

The brothers hurried out with their welcome; and in another minute,
a plump soft cheek was pressed to the mother's, devouring kisses
were hailed on her, and a fuller sweeter tone than had yet been
heard answered the welcome.