This was the third week; and, as if there could not be happiness enough crowded into it for Ben, the letter he read on his way home told him that his dear mistress was coming back on the following Saturday.

One passage particularly pleased him,-- "I want the great gate opened, so that the new master may go in that way.

Will you see that it is done, and all made neat afterward?
Randa will give you the key, and you may have out all your flags if you like, for the old place cannot look too gay for this home-coming." Sunday though it was, Ben could not help waving the letter over his head as he ran in to tell Mrs.Moss the glad news, and begin at once to plan the welcome they would give Miss Celia, for he never called her any thing else.
During their afternoon stroll in the mellow sunshine, Ben continued to talk of her, never tired of telling about his happy summer under her roof.

And Mr.Brown was never weary of hearing, for every hour showed him more plainly what a lovely miracle her gentle words had wrought, and every hour increased his gratitude, his desire to return the kindness in some humble way.

He had his wish, and did his part handsomely when he least expected to have a chance.
On Monday he saw Mr.Towne, and, thanks to the Squire's good word, was engaged for a month on trial, making himself so useful that it was soon evident he was the right man in the right place.