"He will have an answer," said Arthur, going on reading. "He cannot get one," answered Walter, as he held out his finger to Nellie's soft touch. "She is with her little ones," said Nellie, "but will be back in a minute. Oh, here she is!" "Papa is coming down to-night, Walter," said Christina. "I have just had a note from him, so we shall have a happy Sunday. Oh, dear, have you cut your finger?" "It is nothing serious; I did it sharpening my knife. And so you have heard from my father?" "Yes; and I have two other letters in which you will be interested." "Are we to hear them now?" "If you like. One is from Mrs. Wood, Charlie's mother, you know." "And the other?" "From home." "Are all getting on well?" "Yes. You shall have Mrs. Fenton's letter first." "Dear Mistress,—You will be glad to hear that all are well, both at Sunnyside, and at our little Home. Alfy has been a very good boy, and he sends his love to you. So do Georgie and Frank. Alfy's grandfather died the end of last week; and his grandmother is very sadly. I do not think she will last long. Miss Arbuthnot returned from the north safely, yesterday. I hope you, and master, and the dear little ones are quite well, and enjoying yourselves. We miss you all very much. "With our respects, in which all unite— "I am, dear Mistress, "Your obedient servant, "Mrs. Fenton." "Good old creature," said Walter, when the letter was read; "it is a real treat to talk to her. I often go and have a chat with her in her cottage, Nellie." "Does she like having the three little boys to live with her?" asked Arthur. "Yes, very well," answered Christina; "she is very good to them, and they go to school, so she does not get quite so much of them." "The plan acts very nicely," said Walter; "and no one knows what blessing she may bring to those little lads, by her bright faith and cheerful loving service. She said, when we first told her that we thought of building two more rooms to her cottage, and getting her to mind these boys, 'Well, sir, I'll think it over, and if I find it is the work my Father has set me to do, I'll do it.' And she waited a day or two, and talked to 'her Father' about it, and then came to us and accepted." "I do like her," said Ada; "and now, Christina, let us have your other letter, if we are to hear it." "My dear Mrs. Arundel,—It is with the greatest pleasure I take up my pen to send you these few lines, for I feel you are the dearest friend to whom I can write. We are getting on so happily, and I am so well, and our business is much improved. All owing to you, dear Mrs. Arundel; and I can never be grateful enough. "My husband is coming to London in September, and he promises to bring me and Charlie with him, that we may have a sight of your face, and we are longing for the time to come.