In this state of affairs it required all Rose’s tact to sustain anything like sociability between her brother and Annie, and the little lady was perfectly delighted when the joyful tidings was received that _Tom_ was coming home. Annie would like Tom, for everybody did; besides, Tom had written as if he were _almost_ a good man himself, and Annie was sure to be pleased with that; they, at least, would be fast friends; and secure on this point. Rose, with her usual impulsiveness, plunged into the preparations for Tom’s reception. Even Annie did not think any reasonable honor too great for him, particularly after Isaac wrote from Washington to his mother, telling her of Tom’s generous sacrifice, and how he might have been home long before if he had not chosen to stay and care for a poor, sick boy. How the widow’s heart warmed toward the Carletons, taking the whole family into its hitherto rather limited dimensions. Even Jimmie was not excluded, the widow admitting to Mrs. Baker, between whom and herself there had been many a hot discussion touching the so-called Rebel, that when he laughed, “he was uncommon handsome for a Secessioner,” and she presumed that “at the bottom he was as good they would average.” But if the widow were thus affected by Tom’s kind act, how much more were the mother and sister pleased to know how noble and good he was, while Annie, amid the tears she could not repress, said to Rose, “You should be proud of such a brother! There are few like him, I am sure!” How Jimmie envied Tom, as he heard, on all sides, praises for his noble unselfishness, and the resolution to welcome him and Isaac with military honors. Once more in his element, Bill Baker industriously drilled _his_ clique, who were to answer no earthly purpose save to swell the throng and prolong the deafening cheers. Bill began to feel related to the Carletons, and regularly each day he called at the Mather mansion to keep Rose posted with regard to the progress of affairs. They were to bring out the new gun, he said, and as it was minus a name, the villagers had concluded to call it the “_Thomas Carleton_,” asking “how she thought the _’Square_ would like it, and how many times it ought to be fired. The band would serenade Tom in the evening,” he said, “and _we_ shall have bonfires kindled in the streets,” talking as if instead of being merely cannon-tender, he were head manager of the whole, and that all the responsibility was resting on himself. Rose understood him perfectly, and with the utmost good nature listened to his suggestions, and scolded Jimmie for calling him her prime minister and confidant.