ntertain him and make him forget
his pain.

She was talking of their expected guests.

"I am so glad they are coming, papa," she said, "for I hope it will cheer
you and do you much good to see your brother."

"And sister," he added with a faint smile; "your Aunt Elsie is a very
lovely and interesting woman."

"Yes, but I hope they will let me have my father to myself sometimes,"
she said, laying her cheek lovingly against the hand that was clasping
hers. "I'm hardly willing to share you even with Uncle Lester."

"No, not all the time," he responded; "we must have an hour alone
together now and then. I should not like to be deprived of it any more
than you."

She had lifted her head, and was gazing toward the river. "Papa, I think
they are here!" she exclaimed. "There is a carriage coming up the drive."

"Ah, I hope so," he said, his pale cheek flushing with pleasure; and
excitement lending him momentary strength, he hastily stepped from the
hammock, and with Evelyn went forward to greet and welcome the travellers
as they alighted, the hack having now drawn up before the entrance.

Both Lester and Elsie were much moved at sight of their brother--so sadly
changed from the vigorous man from whom they parted less than a year
before.

Elsie had much ado to hide her emotion, and even Lester's voice was husky
and tremulous as he returned Eric's greeting and made inquiries regarding
his health.

"It is much the same as when I wrote you," Eric answered, holding fast to
his brother's hand, and gazing with a look of strong affection into his
face. "And you are quite well?"

"Quite, thank you; but about yourself, Eric? Would it not be well to have
other advice?"

"I believe there is none better than I have had, brother," Eric said.
Then turning to caress the little one in its nurse's arms, "What a fine
little fellow! a truly beautiful child, Sister Elsie. Ah, Lester I
rejoice that you have a son to keep up the family name. May he live to be
a great blessing to you both!"

"How sweet and pretty he is!" Evelyn said, caressing him in her turn.
"Aunt Elsie, shall I show you to your room?"

"If you please, dear." And they passed on into the house together, while
Eric dropped exhausted into an easy-chair, and Lester took possession of
another close at his side.

"You are very weak, Eric," he remarked, in a tone of mingled affection
and concern; "and I fear suffer a great deal of pain."

"Yes, a good deal at times; bu