"Well done, nobly done, brave boy!" exclaimed Duty, coming forward, the
red rays of the setting sun streaming upon her glorious figure, and her
face, which was bright with loveliness exceeding all mortal beauty. It
was the first time that the wounded boy had ever received _her_ praise;
and how sweet fell its accents from her lips, those lips that falsehood
never had stained!

"We were coming to see you," said gentle Affection, "and met these our
young friends on the way."

"Coming to see me!" cried the invalid; "poor, helpless, ruined sufferer
that I am!"

"Nay," said Affection, with a beaming smile, "speak not so gloomily of
your state. I bring you the refreshing draught of Hope, to revive your
spirits and restore your strength!"

As Affection spoke she poured out from a phial into a glass a sparkling
effervescing liquid. Dick took it eagerly from her hand, and as he drank
it as if drinking in life, Affection continued thus to address
him:--"You will soon recover from the effects of your accident, and be
able with new vigour and energy to refurnish your own little cottage.
You will easily make up for lost time; indeed, the loss which you have
sustained is not so great as has been represented. Look with a hopeful
eye on the future, with a thankful eye on the past; he cannot be very
ignorant who is instructed by Duty, nor very poor who has at his command
all the treasures of Affection!"

CHAPTER XXVIII.

EXPECTATION.

Very bright and beautiful was the day on which Dame Desley returned to
her family. The sun rose in the morning in full glory, all surrounded
with rosy clouds. The breath of the air was soft and sweet as that of
balmy Spring, and Autumn could only be known by the splendid mantle of
yellow, red, and brown, which she had thrown over the trees and bushes.
Even brook Bother itself seemed to sparkle and dance in the sunbeams,
and the white houses of Education reflected the cheerful light.

Nelly rose early, her heart bounding with delight, and made everything
ready in her cottage to welcome the mother whom she loved. As she was
busily rubbing up some of her furniture-facts till they shone as
brightly as mirrors, poor Lubin joined his sister, looking disconsolate
and dull.

"Nelly," said he, rubbing his forehead, "I'm afraid that my cottage is
not well furnished. I've no table, and scarcely a chair, my carpet is
all in a muddle, and I'm afraid that my dear mother will be
disappointed--even disg