I've known it every whit as long
as you. Look here; would you like me to put off my journey for a few
days?"

"On no account. There's not the least reason, I assure you, uncle."

He seemed content with this and talked for a little while of the
journey and his plans. He had warned nobody at Epworth. "I intend
it for a surprise," he explained; "to learn with my own eyes how they
are faring." Emilia and Kezzy were at home now upon a holiday: for
some months they had been earning their livelihood at Lincoln as
teachers in a boarding-school kept by a Mrs. Taylor. He might even
make a trip to Scarborough, to drink the waters there. He was
gravely kind, and promised to deliver all Hetty's messages to her
sisters.

"Well, well," he said as he rose to go, "so you won't come to me?"

"I cannot."

"Nevertheless I shall leave word that the house is to be open to
you--in case of need." He looked at her meaningly, kissed her on the
forehead, and so took his leave.

At the street door he paused. "And that poor soul is childless," he
muttered. "She that should have been a noble mother of soldiers!"

CHAPTER VI.

From Mrs. Wesley to her son John.

Epworth, July 12th, 1731.

My brother Wesley had designed to have surprised us, and had
travelled under a feigned name from London to Gainsborough; but
there, sending his man for guide out to the Isle the next day,
the man told one that keeps our market his master's name, and
that he was going to see his brother, which was the minister at
Epworth. The man he informed met with Molly in the market about
an hour before my brother got thither. She, full of news,
hastened home and told us her uncle Wesley was coming to see us;
but we could hardly believe her. 'Twas odd to observe how all
the town took the alarm and were upon the gaze, as if some great
prince had been about to make his entry. He rode directly to
John Dawson's [this refers to a local inn]: but we had soon
notice of his arrival, and sent John Brown with an invitation to
our house. He expressed some displeasure at his servant for
letting us know of his coming: for he intended to have sent for
Mr. Wesley to dine with him at Dawson's and then come to visit
us in the afternoon. However, he soon followed John home, where
we were all ready to receive him with great satisfaction.