He carried her in his arms from room to room; and then, as she grew stronger, down into the garden.

Then he sent for a garden chair, in which he drew her about the gardens with his own hands; or if he called a servant to do it, he walked by her side, doing all he could to amuse her, and when she was ready to be carried indoors again, no one was allowed to touch her but himself.

At last she was able to take short and easy rides in the carriage--not more than a quarter of a mile at first, for he was very much afraid of trying her strength too far--but gradually they were lengthened, as she seemed able to bear it.
One day he was unusually eager to get her into the carriage, and after they had started, instead of calling her attention to the scenery, as he often did, he began relating a story which interested her so much that she did not notice in what direction they were travelling until the carriage stopped, the foot-man threw open the door, and her father, breaking off in the middle of a sentence, sprang out hastily, lifted her in his arms, and carried her into the house.
She did not know where she was until he had laid her on a sofa, and, giving her a rapturous kiss, exclaimed-- "Welcome home, my darling! welcome to your father's house." Then she looked up and saw that she was indeed in the dear home he had prepared for her months before.
She was too glad to speak a word, or do anything but gaze about her with eyes brimming over with delight; while her father took off her bonnet and shawl, and setting her on her feet, led her across the room to an easy-chair, where he seated her in state.
He then threw open a door, and there was another pleasant surprise; for who but her old friend, Mrs.Murray, should rush in and take her in her arms, kissing her and crying over her.
"Dear, _dear_ bairn," she exclaimed, "you are looking pale and ill, but it does my auld heart gude to see your winsome wee face once more.

I hope it will soon grow as round and rosy as ever, now that you've won to your ain home at last.

But where, darling, are all your bonny curls ?" she asked suddenly.
"In the drawer, in my room at grandpa's," replied the little girl with a faint smile.