Nellie announced the news of Hope's letter at once, feeling it would be easier to have it over than to be dreading it all day.
Her father gave a quick glance at her face; but after that, he took it in a matter-of-fact way, for which she felt thankful.
Walter's plans, and with them Christina's, were now the chief thought amongst them.
He had waited for the week to look round upon it all, and then told his father that he should like to settle down with them at No. 8 till the next autumn.
"Christina wishes it," he added; "and I quite agree with her. It will be the best thing, if you will have me."
"Have you?" said Dr. Arundel, looking with one of his rare smiles into his son's face. "My boy, my heart has been much lighter since it has got you back."
Walter thoroughly appreciated the tone of these words; and when afterwards Nellie told him that the week had seen a wonderful change for the better in their father, he was truly relieved and thankful to know that his affection and presence could lighten the gloom which had fallen on the house since he left it, only a little more than a year ago.
So the winter passed away.
One day in early spring, Nellie came into the nursery with a letter in her hand.
"Whom is this for, do you think?" she said, holding it up, and looking across the room to Tom's couch.