"Yes," said Ada, sighing; "I often think of him all alone, only it spoils one's pleasure so to think about it."
"We will sing it, then, in remembrance of him," said Walter.
Mary, the nurse, sang a nice second, and they all drew together into one circle, and the familiar words sounded wonderfully sweet with all the voices.
On the back of this hymn sheet was printed another, on hearing the name of which Dolly exclaimed: "That's my hymn; we'll have that now!"
Everybody was willing, and the voices rose in "There is a happy land, far, far away!"
When Dolly's hymn was finished, they all dispersed. Simmons told Mrs. Arundel that she would clear up the dinner things, and see to their being packed safely. Baby had fallen asleep; Tom's eyes looked heavy; so leaving the spot where they had dined, Mrs. Arundel and Ada, followed by Netta and Isabel, walked down to the cottage to see about tea. Arthur began to climb the old castle walls; and Nellie and Walter found a little nook half way up the old tower, from which they could see the sea, and enjoy a really cosy chat—the first quiet time the brother and sister had yet had.
"Oh, Walter," said Nellie, looking up in his face, "I am so glad to see you again!"
"Dear Nellie!" he answered, putting his arm round her, and drawing her to him. "So am I. And how have you been getting on these three years? You were almost a little girl when I left, and now you are quite a little woman."
"Yes, nineteen," said Nellie gravely.
"I do not think I need ask how you have been getting on; your face, your whole life, shows that it is well with you."