As soon as they reached the door Betty jumped out, before the chaise came to a standstill, and rushed into her mother’s arms. She was quickly followed by George, who, much taller than his mother, folded her in a close embrace, and then the boys were hugged and kissed. Madam Washington led him into the house, and looked him all over with pride and delight, he was so grown, so manly; his very walk had acquired a new grace, such as comes from association with graceful and polished society. She was brimming with pride, but she only allowed herself to say: “How much you have grown, my son!” “And the chaise is yours, mother,” struck in Betty. “Brother Laurence sent it you--all lined inside with green damask, and a stuffed seat, and room for a trunk behind, and a box under the seat.” George rather resented this on Betty’s part, as he thought he had the first right to make so important an announcement as the gift of a chaise, and said, with a severe look at Betty: “My brother sent it you, mother, with his respectful compliments, and hopes that the first use you will make of it will be to visit him and my sister at Mount Vernon.” Betty, however, was in no mood to be set back by a trifling snub like that, so she at once plunged into a description of the gayeties at Mount Vernon. This was interrupted by supper, which had been kept for them, and then it was nine o’clock, and Betty was nearly falling asleep, and George too, was tired, and it was the hour for family prayers. For the first time in months George read prayers at his mother’s request, and she added a special thanksgiving for the return of her two children in health and happiness, and then it was bedtime. Madam Washington had not once mentioned his midshipman’s warrant to George. This did not occur to him until he was in bed, and then, with the light heart of youth, he dismissed it as a mere accident. No doubt she was as proud as he, although the parting would be hard on both, but it must come in some form or other, and no matter how long or how far, they never could love each other any less--and George fell asleep to dream that he was carrying the _Bellona_ into action in the most gallant style possible. Next morning he was up and on horseback early, riding over the place, and thinking with half regret and half joy that he would soon be far away from the simple plantation life. At breakfast Betty talked so incessantly and the little boys were so full of questions that Madam Washington had no opportunity for serious talk, but as soon as it was over she said: “Will you come to my room, George?” “In a minute, mother,” answered George, rising and darting up-stairs.