Right glad should I be for news of your father and mother; but we have been patient this long while, and we will be patient still." "Our good aunt is wise," said Reuben, who looked wonderfully better for his stay in fresh country air, albeit still rather gaunt and pale.

"It is like that this good news itself may lead men to be somewhat reckless in their joy and confidence.

We will not move till we have another report.

Perchance our father may be able to let us know ere long of his welfare and that of the rest at home." All through the week that followed encouraging and cheering reports of the abatement of the plague were heard by those living on the outskirts of the stricken city; and when the next week's bill showed a further enormous decrease in the death rate, Mary Harmer permitted Joseph to pay a visit home, his return being eagerly waited for in the cottage.

He came just as the early twilight was drawing in, and his face was bright and joyous.
"It is like another city," he cried.