It was nearly noon of the next day when I reached Meadow Brook, where I found my father at the dépôt, waiting to receive me. Very kindly he greeted me, inquiring eagerly after Anna and her boy, his grandson, whom he expressed a strong desire to see. “But I never shall,” he said sadly, as he walked slowly beside me up the long hill which led to the village. Of Herbert he spoke not a word, though my mother and my sisters did, asking me numberless questions, some of which I answered, while the others I managed to evade, keeping them ignorant of the existing state of things. I found them all busied with the preparations for Juliet’s wedding, which took place within a week after my return, I officiating as bridesmaid, while the groomsman was none other than my old enemy, JOHN THOMPSON, now a tall young man of eighteen, and cousin to Juliet’s husband. When first the plan was suggested to me I refused, for I bore him no good will; but my objections were overruled by Juliet, who told me how much he had improved, and that I would find him very agreeable, which was indeed true. He was very polite and attentive, referring laughingly to the “freaks of his _boyhood_,” as he termed them, while at the same time he laid his hand upon his _chin_, caressing the beard which was there only in imagination, and even apologizing to me in a kind of off-hand way for his conduct of three years before. Of course I forgave him, and we are now the best of friends. So much for childish prejudices. In the course of the evening I asked him about the doctor, and was told that he was still in Boston, and doing remarkably well. “And do you know,” said John, “he imputes his success to _you_! I verily believe he thinks you a perfect angel! Any way, I know he likes you better than he does Dell, for he told me so in plain English, and I don’t blame him either; the way she cuts up is enough to kill any man. Why, if I were in his place, I’d get a divorce from her at once, and offer myself to you!” “I wouldn’t have him,” said I, quickly. “Nor me either? Wouldn’t you have me?” asked John, playfully. “No, I wouldn’t,” was my reply; whereupon he laughed heartily, saying “he was glad he knew my sentiments before he committed himself;” and there the conversation ended.