Having driven the wagon into the large barn which stood nearly opposite the house, Mr.
Preston left Jerry to put up the horse, and proceeded at once to the house with his nephew.

Mrs.Preston had seen Oscar in Boston, and came out to meet him.

She welcomed him very cordially, and inquired after all the other members of the family.

She then introduced him to his three other cousins, Emily, Harriet, and Mary, all of whom were younger than Jerry, and quite as shy and silent as he, at the presence of a stranger.
Supper was now ready, and all the family, including James, the hired man, seated themselves at the table.

Mr.Preston, during the meal, talked freely of what he had seen and done since he left home; but the children maintained their gravity and silence, though Oscar tried hard to break the ice of restraint with Jerry, who sat by his side.