While they sat there, some sudden noise attracted Mrs. Danforth's attention; she rose and went into the house so quietly that the others scarcely noticed her departure.
It was not long before she came out again, walking very hastily for her, and with such a tremulous flutter in her manner, that Sarah regarded her in surprise.
"William!" she said to her husband, "William!"
He roused himself from the partial doze into which he had fallen, and looked up.
"Did you speak to me?" he asked.
"I have good news for you. Don't be agitated—it is all pleasant."
He struggled up from his seat, steadying his trembling hands upon his staff.
"My boy has come!" he exclaimed louder and more clearly than he had spoken for weeks; "William, my boy!"
At the summons, a young man came out of the house and ran toward them. The old gentleman flung his arms about his neck and strained him close to his heart.
"My boy!" was all he could say; "my William!"