Their restless glances caught sight of him first; and they all exclaimed at once:
"Here's Ishmael, Bee! here's Ishmael, Bee!" and ran off to meet him.
Bee impulsively started to run too, but checked herself, and stood, blushing but eager, waiting until Ishmael dismounted and came to greet her.
She met him with a warm, silent welcome, and then, looking at him suddenly, said:
"You are so much better; you are quite well. I am so glad, Ishmael!"
"Yes, I am well and happy, dearest Bee—thanks to you and to Heaven!" said Ishmael, warmly pressing her hands again to his lips, before turning to embrace the children who were jumping around him.
Then they all went into the house, where Mr. and Mrs. Middleton met him with an equally cordial welcome.
"And how did you leave the family at Tanglewood? Family, said I? Ah! there is no family there now; no one left but the old judge. How is he? And when is Claudia and her lordling expected back?" inquired Mr. Middleton, when they were all seated near one of the sea-view windows.
"The judge is well. Lord and Lady Vincent are with him," replied
Ishmael.
And then in answer to their exclamations of surprise he told all he knew of the unexpected arrival.