By ten o'clock we were well out of smoky London, on the way that I had already traversed once before, with a cheerful heart most creditable to me under the circumstances.

Mrs.Chaffin was waiting for us at the gate when we alighted in front of the old wood-colored cottage--that haven of weary legs in days gone by.

Phil (who had lengthened noticeably in the service of Valentine, King & Co.) was there, too, and all the rest of the Chaffin household in Sunday clothes.

Mrs.Chaffin was quite beside herself with joy.
"Dear-a me!" said the good lady, after the salutations were over.
"Dear-a sakes! How you've growed! I didn't think you'd ever live to get s' big.

I thought as 'ow som' 'arm 'd come to ye when ye went away, an' Hester--" "Mamma!" exclaimed Hester, with a reproving glance.