"Very glad," echoed Mr. and Mrs. Bliss, heartily. Doctor Stedman, after a thoughtful glance at the door, and another at the clock,--but it was only seven,--settled himself resignedly in his chair and said, "Fire away, Homer!" quite kindly. Mr. Homer drew forth a folded paper, and gazed on the company with a pensive smile. "I confess," he said, "the thought had occurred to me that, if so desired, I might read these few lines to the choice circle before whom--or more properly which--I find myself this evening. An episode has recently occurred in our--a--midst, Mrs. Bliss, which is of deep interest to us Elmertonians. The return of a youth, always cherished, but--shall I say, Cousin Phoebe, a temporary estray from the--a--star-y-pointing path?" "It is a graceful way of putting it, Cousin Homer," said Miss Phoebe, with some austerity. "I trust it may be justified. Proceed, if you please. We are all attention." Mr. Homer unfolded his paper, and opened his lips to read; but some uneasiness seemed to strike him. He moved in his seat, as if missing something, and glanced round the room. His eye fell and rested on Miss Phoebe, sitting erect and rigid--in the rocking-chair, _his_ rocking-chair! Miss Phoebe would not have rocked a quarter of an inch for a fortune; every line of her figure protested against its being supposed possible that she _could_ rock in company; but there she sat, and her seat was firm as the enduring hills. Mr. Homer sighed; pushed his chair back a little, only to find its legs wholly uncompromising--and read as follows: "LINES ON THE RETURN OF A YOUTHFUL AND VALUED FRIEND. "Our beloved William Jaquith Has resolved henceforth to break with Devious ways; And returning to his mother Vows he will have ne'er another All his days. "Husk of swine did not him nourish; Plant of Virtue could not flourish Far from home; So his heart with longing burnèd, And his feet with speed returnèd To its dome. "Welcome, William, to our village! Peaceful dwell, devoid of pillage, Cherished son! On her sightless steps attendant, Wear a crown of light resplendent, Duty done!" There was a soft murmur of appreciation from Miss Vesta and Mrs. Bliss, followed by silence. Mr. Homer glanced anxiously at Miss Phoebe. "I should be glad of your opinion as to the third line, Cousin Phoebe," he said. "I had it 'Satan's ways,' in my first draught, but the expression appeared strong, especially for this choice circle, so I substituted 'devious' as being more gentle, more mild, more--a"--he waved his hands--"more devoid of elements likely to produce discord in the mind." "Quite so, Cousin Homer!" replied Miss Phoebe, with a stately bend of her head. "I congratulate you upon the alteration. Satan has no place in an Elmerton parlor, especially when honored by the presence of its pastor." CHAPTER IX. A GARDEN PARTY