Hope laughed. "We have not so many bright young ladies stop here that I should be likely to mistake. You seemed ready to get out."
"Of course I was; I forgot that."
Hope was silent; and in a few minutes they turned in at the gate of Fairleigh, and passed under the tender green trees of the little avenue that led up to the house.
The sound of the wheels brought the maid to the door, and Nellie was quickly led into the old-fashioned hall.
In an instant, her grandmamma's two hands were placed on her two shoulders, and she received the warmest of kisses, and the most loving of welcomes.
"My dear," said her grandmamma, holding her hand close, and leading her into the drawing room, "you are like a bit of your father to me; I am so glad to see you."
Nellie smiled brightly in answer, and then asked for "Aunt Ruth."
"She is pretty well to-day, my dear, and perhaps will be able—"
They all turned; for entering at the moment, with almost noiseless step, was Nellie's invalid aunt.
"I have just come to give you one kiss, darling, and to ask you how you have travelled, and how they all are at home?"