"Did ever returned prodigal receive a more hearty welcome than I?" exclaimed Harry, laughingly, but gratefully.
His old habit of reserve was being gradually overcome, and he was becoming accustomed to express his feelings quite freely, much to the present and subsequent delight of his family.
This evening, a memorable one in the history of the little family, was by no means over. Just as the happy trio were seated, with heads bowed reverently in thankfulness to the Giver of all good, the knocker was raised another time.
As the heads were lifted, and Flora arose to open the door, she remarked, merrily:
"That must be Alec. I suppose the magnetism of our presence is drawing him to us."
It was not Alec It was our good friend Joel Piper.
"I was told Mrs. Hazeley lived here," said he.
"So she does," answered Flora, trying to recall where she had seen the familiar face before her. Joel was doing the same. He was the first to ask, however, "Haven't I met you before?"
"I was just thinking I had seen you somewhere," said Flora, looking puzzled.
"In Brinton, perhaps?" suggested Joel.