"Yes, dear," she answered quietly, "you have removed a great load of guilt from my soul, and I shall, I must feel happier." After a pause, I whispered, "you will not object to meet Mr. Benson now." She started to her feet with such a world of meaning in her tone as she said, "Cora!" "I mean," said I, hesitating, "he is to be our neighbor again; and it would be so much pleasanter, and better every way, to be on terms of friendship with him." She looked so proudly as she stood before me, and said, "that is hardly possible; certainly not at all probable. He would not wish it." "Oh, I am sure he would!" I exclaimed eagerly. "I have seen him, and he says he is just the same man; that his tastes are not changed." Oh! what a beautiful rosy blush spread all over her cheeks and brow; a bright light danced for one moment in her eye, and leading me to the door, she said in a low tone, "you have made me very happy. Please go and tell mother. I must be alone." She put her hand to her heart to still the new and strange feeling of hope that was springing up there. CHAPTER XXVII. "The first fresh love Dies never wholly; it lives on through pain And disappointment; often when the heart Is crushed, and all its sympathies pressed out, This lingers, and awakens, and shines bright." PERCIVAL. _Friday, August 7th._ The visit of welcome passed off delightfully. The guests assembled in a spacious hall which was tastefully decorated for the occasion. The tables were loaded with fruits and flowers, intermingled with substantial viands for such as preferred them. It was Emily's desire that mother should accompany us; and we entered early to witness the reception of the pastor. Mr. Benson had requested that there should be as little formality as possible. The services opened by an appropriate original hymn. By whom do you think it was written? By Mrs. Anna Reynolds, who was a native of Waverley. Mr. Munroe invoked a blessing, and then all went forward to shake hands with their beloved pastor, and express their joy at his return. After allowing his own people their first claim to his notice, Frank walked up with mother and myself. A great crowd had pressed around the traveller, but when the Doctor's tall form approached, he darted forward, eager to express his welcome to us; not, however, without a quick glance behind us, as if missing an absent member of our family. "We have come," replied the Doctor, "to welcome _you_, though I think my wife has already had that pleasure."