“Papa, dear, dear Papa!” In the first joyful moment everything else in the world was forgotten, and four pairs of arms were held out, as four little figures rushed forward to meet the tall, smiling gentleman, who had sprung from the carriage, and was bounding up the steps. “Well, chicks, here I am!” cried Mr. Winslow, kissing them all round, “glad to see me, eh? Not half as glad as I am to see you all, I’ll be bound. How you have grown, Dulcie. How well you are looking, Daisy. Can these two big girls really be my babies, Molly and Maud? And here’s Grandma, too.” And he released himself from the children’s clinging arms, and went forward to greet his stepmother. And now there was another joyful cry, but this time it was mingled with astonishment. “Miss Leslie, oh, Miss Leslie, we’re so glad to see you! We never knew you were coming, too.” And the pretty young lady, who had followed Mr. Winslow up the steps, suddenly found herself being violently hugged by four very excited little girls. “Where’s Uncle Stephen?” inquired Daisy, who was the first to recover from the surprise. “Didn’t Uncle Stephen come, too?” Miss Leslie laughed and blushed. “No, dear,” she said, “he didn’t come this time, but he sent a great deal of love to you all, and hopes to see you when he comes East next winter.” “But--but, isn’t he going to--aren’t you----” Daisy paused in utter bewilderment. If Miss Leslie were not going to marry Uncle Stephen, then why had she come? And, more astonishing still, where, oh, where was the dreaded stepmother? She glanced in the direction of the hack, in quest of a third occupant, but the only other person to be seen was the driver, who had sprung down from his seat and was lifting out the bags. In the meantime Maud was giving Miss Leslie an important bit of news. “We’re making you some wedding presents,” she announced, giving the visitor’s hand an affectionate squeeze. “I won’t tell you what they are, because they’re going to be a surprise.” Mr. Winslow caught the words, and turned anxiously to his mother. “What does she mean?” he inquired, sharply. “They haven’t been told, have they?” “I am sorry to say they have,” Mrs. Winslow answered. “It was not my fault. I have said nothing, in accordance with your request, and neither has Kate. All the trouble has come through that meddlesome gossip, Lizzie. I always told you she was not the proper person to have the care of children, but you would never listen.” Mr. Winslow looked annoyed, but before he could speak, Molly put into words the question that had been filling all their minds. “Where is she?” she demanded, looking in astonishment from one face to another. “Where is who, dear?” Miss Leslie asked, gently. “Why, the stepmother,” said Molly. “Lizzie said Papa was bringing her home.” Miss Leslie laughed. “I am the stepmother,” she said, and stooped to kiss the astonished Molly as she spoke. * * * * *