They had not been in the drawing room more than two or three minutes, when a rap did come to the door, and Arthur exclaimed: "That's no postman! For it is not his time." He started up and ran down into the hall, where the telegram was put into his hand. "It is for papa," he said, leaping up the stairs three steps at a time, "but he said we might open it." "Arrived safely at Southampton. Hope to be with you about eight." There was a general shout of joy; and Ada hastened to the nursery with the telegram, to tell the little ones. When Dr. Arundel's latch-key was heard, Arthur was the first to get to the door, and he ran down to him. His father guessed what his eagerness meant, and asked, "Is it come, Arthur?" "Yes; the news that he is at Southampton." "Thank God," said Dr. Arundel fervently; and then Arthur suddenly remembered that what had been all joy to him and the others, must be a fresh opening of the wound to his dear father. Dr. Arundel went into his study, and was closing the door, when he found Arthur following. He came in and stood by his father's side in silence. Dr. Arundel sat down in his armchair, looking tired and careworn, and Arthur put his hand on his shoulder with an affection which was somewhat rare in the strong boy. "Papa," he said, "we don't forget what it must be to you, and you will not think in our pleasure at seeing Walter that we don't remember." "No, my boy, no; I shall not." Arthur looked in his face silently, and then, kissing his forehead, left him alone. Alone, yet not alone! And before he rejoined his children, he had cast his burden on the Lord, and, like Hannah of old, "his countenance was no more sad." "Nellie," said Christina after tea, when they were all assembled in the drawing room, "I have lost one of my children!" "She does not look very sad," said Arthur, "so I suppose it is all right." "How?" asked Nellie, but she guessed it must be little Charlie. "It is all very well for you to laugh," said Christina to Arthur; "but it was a great grief to me, as well as a great joy." "Do let us hear about it," said Tom. "I told you that Mrs. Wood was to go home for Christmas. Well, a few days ago I received a note from her husband saying he should come to town to fetch her; for I had already arranged to see Mrs. Wood on her way through London. "I therefore wrote to him, telling him to meet her at my house, as I should keep her till his arrival. Last Monday was the day fixed for her return, and about twelve o'clock Mr. Wood came to Sunnyside to see me. "It would be impossible to tell you all he said of thanks to me for my efforts for her; but when he was a little calmed, I went to fetch Charlie. As you know, the little fellow is wonderfully improved since he came, but still looks delicate. His father, however, saw nothing but the improvement, and his joy was overpowering. To clasp the pretty, clean, well-cared-for little morsel in his arms again, was boundless delight.