His duties are like to have a speedy end; and he is longing for a sight of Reuben's face, and of something better than closed houses and the wan faces of the sick or the mourners." "Poor brother James!" said Mary softly; "I would that he and his would leave the city behind for a while, and remain under my roof to recover their strength and health.

It must have been a sorely trying time.

Think you that they could leave the house together?
For we would make shift to receive them all, an they could come." This was a most delightful idea to all the party.

The hospitable cottage had plenty of rooms, although many of these were but attics beneath the thatched roof, none too light or commodious.

In summer they might have been too warm and stuffy to be agreeable sleeping places, but in the cooler autumn they would be good enough for hardy young folks brought up simply and plainly.
Joseph and Benjamin at once dashed all over the place, making plans for the housing of the whole party.