"The Lord be praised!" Then grandmother came over to Kathie, but she and Ethel were crying softly in each other's arms.
"Child, are you one of God's own—Heaven-sent? for you bring us joy continually."
"But it was sent to me," Kathie said, over a great break and falter. "If I could have made it so in the beginning,—but I couldn't, and God kept him safely. We all waited and prayed."
"And I despaired! I am worse than doubting Thomas! Ah, how good God is to us all!"
Mrs. Morrison entered with a pail of milk "O," she exclaimed, "you have had news! Have they found his body?"
"His body and soul. He will be back shortly. The tidings came through a friend of Kathie."
"Dear Ethel, little one, it is blessed news! You would never have wanted for love and kindness while Hugh and I were alive; but there's no love quite like a parent's. How Hugh will rejoice! He never could give him up altogether."
"Mr. Conover has a letter to read," said grandmother.
Little did General Mackenzie imagine that his words would bring so great a joy. They all listened breathlessly, and then wanted it read over again to lengthen out the good news. And when at dusk Uncle Robert declared they must go, they all begged for Kathie to stay and drink tea, and would take no refusal.