A song-bird

by Eleanora H. Stooke

"Neither," Mrs. John answered; "but the vessel has arrived, and there's some one in the parlour waiting for you, Mavis. Go to her, my dear."

Mavis needed no second bidding. She darted across the hall and rushed into the parlour, where, the next moment, she found herself in her mother's arms, and clasped to her mother's breast.

"Mother—mother, at last—at last!" was all she could say.

"Yes, at last, my darling," responded the dearly loved voice.

Then they kissed each other again and again, and Mavis saw that her mother was looking remarkably well. And Mrs. Grey remarked that her little daughter had grown, and was the plumper and rosier for her sojourn in the country. It was a long while before Mavis could think of any one but themselves. But at last, she inquired for Miss Dawson, and heard that her mother had left her in her own home in London that morning.

"I expect she's glad to be back again, isn't she, mother?" Mavis asked.

"Very glad, dear. You can imagine the joyful meeting between her and her father. I shall never forget the thankfulness of his face when he saw how bright and well she was looking. Poor man, I believe he had made up his mind that he would never see her again. She does not require a nurse now, but I have promised to stay with her for a few months longer, and during that time, Mavis, I want you to remain at the Mill House. Shall you mind?"

"No," Mavis answered, truthfully. "But you are not going right back to London, mother, are you?" she asked, looking somewhat dismayed.

"No, dear. I have arranged to stay a few days with you."

What a happy few days those were to Mavis! She was allowed a holiday from school, and showed her mother her favourite walks, and spent a long afternoon with her in Oxford, where they visited T— College and the haunts her father had loved. And oh how Mavis talked! There seemed to be no end to all she had to tell about the household at the Mill House, and the Vicar, and Richard Butt and his wife and baby, and kind Mrs. Long, to all of which her mother listened with the greatest interest and attention.