tled all doubts.

'Arthur! is it you?' and the brothers' hands were locked together.

'Here is a gentleman you know something of, and who has thought very
much of you,' continued Arthur, proudly. 'There, is not he like her?' as
he tried to give a cock-up to the limp, flapping straw hat, under shade
of which Johnnie was glowing up to his curls.

'Her very look!' said John. 'How is she, Arthur, and all of them?'

'All well. Have you not been at home yet!'

'No; I saw you here, and I could not help coming to meet you, that I
might know if all was right.'

'You would have found no one at home, unless my mother and Violet are
come in. They are always creeping about together.'

'Where is my father?'

'Looking after the workmen at the farm. We left him there because it
was Johnnie's supper-time. Why, John, what a hale, middle-aged looking
subject you are grown! Was it not wonderful sagacity in me to know you?'

'Greater than mine,' said John. 'My instinct was failing as I came near.
Are you really well?'

'Never better. Johnnie and his mamma nursed me well again, and Helvellyn
breezes blew away the remainder. When did you land?'

'This morning. We put in at Liverpool, and I came on at once. How is my
mother? She had not been well.'

'She was ailing all the winter, but a house full of grandchildren seems
to have cured her completely. You will stare to see her a perfect slave
to--our eldest girl,' said Arthur, checking himself as he was about to
speak the name, and John turned to the child.

'Well, Johnnie, and are you fond of riding?'

'With papa holding the rein,' and Johnnie edged closer to his father.

'Ay! I hope your uncle did not expect a godson like your dear Coeur de
Lion, whom you have been romancing about all the way home. What is the
country your uncle has seen, and you want to see, Johnnie?'

'Please, don't now, papa,' whispered Johnnie, colouring deeply.

'Yes, yes, you shall have it out when you are better acquainted,' said
Arthur, patting both boy and pony. 'Well, John, is this the fellow you
expected?'

John smiled, but before he could answer, a voice from behind, shouting
to them to wait, caused him to turn, exclaiming, 'Percy! I did not know
he was here! And Theodora!'

'He came a day or two ago--'

Theodora blushed crimson, and all the glad words of welcome were
spoken by Percy; but he then fell into the background, taking charge of
Johnnie, while the other three walked on together, Th