When Dr. Arundel's latch-key was heard, Arthur was the first to get to the door, and he ran down to him. His father guessed what his eagerness meant, and asked, "Is it come, Arthur?"
"Yes; the news that he is at Southampton."
"Thank God," said Dr. Arundel fervently; and then Arthur suddenly remembered that what had been all joy to him and the others, must be a fresh opening of the wound to his dear father.
Dr. Arundel went into his study, and was closing the door, when he found Arthur following. He came in and stood by his father's side in silence.
Dr. Arundel sat down in his armchair, looking tired and careworn, and Arthur put his hand on his shoulder with an affection which was somewhat rare in the strong boy.
"Papa," he said, "we don't forget what it must be to you, and you will not think in our pleasure at seeing Walter that we don't remember."
"No, my boy, no; I shall not."
Arthur looked in his face silently, and then, kissing his forehead, left him alone.
Alone, yet not alone! And before he rejoined his children, he had cast his burden on the Lord, and, like Hannah of old, "his countenance was no more sad."
"Nellie," said Christina after tea, when they were all assembled in the drawing room, "I have lost one of my children!"