Richard lit his cigar, and said, after a silence of a few moments, with a sigh, "It is good to be at home again." "But you've had a pleasant journey ?" "No; the most tiresome that I ever made, and this last detention wore my patience out.

It seemed the longest fortnight.

I could not bear to think of you all here, and I away in such a dismal hole." "I suppose Uncle Leonard had no pity on you, as long as there was a penny to be made by staying there." "No; I spent a great deal of money in telegraphing to him for orders to come home, but he would not give up." "And how is Uncle Leonard; did you go to Varick-street ?" "No, indeed; I did not waste any time in town.

I only reached there yesterday." "I wonder Uncle Leonard let you off so soon." "He growled a good deal, but I did not stay to listen." "That's always the best way." "And now, Pauline, tell me how you like the place." "Like it! Oh, Richard, I think it is a Paradise," and I clasped my hands in a young sort of ecstacy.
He was silent, which was a sign that he was satisfied.

I went on after a moment, "I don't wonder that you all love it.