desolate and forsaken was relieved, and they knew that now they had
one to rely on and to comfort them.

Harry hastened to open the front door, and Richard, with his small
trim figure, and fresh, fair young face, flushed, though not
otherwise agitated, was among them, almost devoured by the younger
ones, and dealing out quiet caresses to them, as he caught from the
words and looks of the others that at least his father and sister
were no worse. Mr. Wilmot had come with him, but only stayed to hear
the tidings.

"Can I see papa?" were Richard's first audible words--all the rest
had been almost dumb show.

Ethel thought not, but took him to Margaret's room, where he stood
for many minutes without speaking; then whispered to Flora that he
must go to the others, she should call him if--and went down,
followed by Ethel.

Tom and Blanche had fallen into teasing tricks, a sort of melancholy
play to relieve the tedium. They grew cross. Norman was roused to
reprove sharply, and Blanche was beginning to cry. But Richard's
entrance set all at peace--he sat down among them, and, with soft
voice and arm round Blanche, as she leaned against him, made her good
in a moment; and she listened while he talked over with Norman and
Ethel all they could bear to speak of.

Late in the day Flora came into her father's room, and stood gazing
at him, as he lay with eyes closed, breathing heavily, and his brows
contracted by pain. She watched him with piteous looks, as if