"Oh, thank God, to be at home once more!" cried Ralph.
"Yes, let us thank Him together," said Geoffrey gravely, and the three young soldiers knelt in silence. Then they sought the much needed rest, and were soon in deep sleep.
It was eight o'clock when the sound of the gong aroused the sleepers, and, after a hasty preparation, they descended to the breakfast room.
Ah! what a meeting was that.
There stood Sir John, lost in wonder and delight; there was Susan, clad in some bewitching morning costume, her long fair hair loosely tied with some bright ribbons and falling in masses over her shoulders.
"My boys, my boys," cried Sir John, as he embraced them, kissing them on both cheeks, "welcome home!"
Then came Susan's turn, and joy shone in her fair eyes as she kissed them all, Geoffrey not being excepted.
It was long ere they could sit down to breakfast, so much had they to tell and to ask. Eating and drinking were much too prosaic occupations for such a time as that!
But there was an air of gravity on Sir John's face as he presently asked the boys what brought them home so suddenly; when last he heard of them they were on service at St. Quentin.
Then Geoffrey told briefly the history of their special mission, reserving all details for some future occasion.