And the thought of seeing all the
home faces once more was altogether too delightful to admit of much
admixture of grief.

"I wonder if Dorcas will come," said Gertrude, as they hung about
the door awaiting the arrival which was expected every minute.

Three days had now passed since James Harmer's first visit, and he
was to bring his wife and daughters in the afternoon, and stay the
night himself, returning on the morrow to transact some necessary
business, but spending much of his time with his family in this
pleasant spot.

Gertrude had offered to leave, if there were not room for her; but
in truth she scarce knew where to go, since of her father she had
heard very little of late, and knew not how long his house would be
his own.

No one, however, would hear of such a thing as that she should
leave them. She was already like a sister to the boys, and had in
old days been as one to the girls. Moreover, as Mary Harmer
sometimes said, why should not she and Reuben be quietly married
out here before they returned to the city, and then they could go
back to their own house when all the negotiations had been
completed and her father's mind relieved of its load of care?

"Why should Dorcas not come?" asked Mary quickly. "My brother spoke
of bringing all."

"I was wondering if Lady Scrope would be willing to spare her," was
the reply. "She is fond of Dorcas in her way, and is used to her.
She might not be willing she should go, and she is very determined
when her mind is made up."

"Yet I think she has a kind heart in spite of all her odd ways,"
said Mary Harmer; "I scarce think she would keep the girl pining
there alone. But we shall see. My wonder would rather be if Janet
and Rebecca could get free from the other house where the children
are kept."

"Father said that that house was to be emptied soon. The Lord Mayor
is making many wise regulations for the support of those left
destitute by the plague. Large sums of money kept flowing in all
the while the scourge lasted. The king sent large contributions,
and other wealthy men followed his example. There be many widows
left alone and desolate, and these are to have a sum of money and
certain orphan children to care for. All that will be settled
speedily; for who knows when my Lady Scrope's house may not be
wanted by the tenant who ran away in such hot haste months ago? It
will need purifying, too, and directions will shortly be issued, I
take it, for the right