her veil, as she continued, "And she
hopes, she believes that _this_ is her old home, for she recognizes
everything around her. O yes, I know that carved mantel, that ebony
writing-case, that screen, that bust, and that picture over the
cabinet. _It is mamma's portrait!_"

Mr. Phillips uttered an exclamation of joyful surprise and started
forward, but immediately fearful of some mistake, calmed himself, and
merely said, "Will you let me see you without your bonnet?"

Mary hastily uncovered her beautiful head, and stood before him, a
soft, timid smile playing about her lips, and a tremulous light of love
and joy in her eyes. Mr. Phillips looked from that yearning young face
to the one on the canvas,--so wonderfully like they were! "It is
enough!" he exclaimed; "I _know_ you for our daughter, our long-lost
lamb! O Father in heaven, I thank Thee!"

And the next moment Mary was clasped in her father's arms, her head on
his breast, her arms about his neck, laughing and weeping in her
passionate emotion, so long restrained.

Mr. Raeburn rose and softly loft the room, passing out on to the
piazza, where he stood for many minutes, apparently admiring the fine
scenery, though in fact he could see but little for the tears of tender
sympathy that would spring to his kindly eyes. Whichever way he looked
there was a water-view.

He returned just in time to see the two boys, George and Herbert,
introduced to their sister. They received the good news at first in a
bewildered, boyish, awkward way. They blushed and stammered, stepped
forward and back, then stood stock still, and looked at Mary in silent,
wide-eyed wonder and admiration.

"Ah, boys," she said, "I suppose I seem to you like one come back from
the dead, or like another Undine, risen from the water; but won't you
take my hand? see, it isn't cold!" Then she shook hands with them and
kissed them, and they rapturously returned her caress, and all was
right.

"Now, my dear boys," said Mr. Phillips, "you have a task of
self-restraint before you. It is necessary that this great joy of ours
should be kept awhile from your mother. She is not strong enough to
bear it. But she must see Mary and get accustomed to her as soon as
possible. I have a plan. A new nurse is needed for Lilly; will you
accept the position for a few days, my darling?"

"Most joyfully, papa."

"I give you warning, sister, that it will not be a very jolly life for
you," put in Master Geo