But Drusilla had already vanished within to give her orders.
“And now, dear grandpa, I will go to my room to change my dress. I presume it is ready for me, and I know where to find it. Dick, see that the luggage is sent up,” said Anna, turning to go into the house.
But she was met at the door by all the household servants, who had learned her arrival from Drusilla and had come out to welcome her.
Hands were shaken and good-wishes heartily offered and warmly received, and then Anna passed on to her apartment.
In less than half an hour she hurried down-stairs, looking fresh and blooming in her white muslin dress with blue ribbons.
The family were waiting for her in the breakfast room, and as soon as she entered she was greeted again and seated in the pleasantest seat at the table.
All the windows were open, and all the brightness, beauty, fragrance, and music of June filled the place. The morning sunshine played upon every polished point; the fresh breeze danced with every fold of drapery; the aroma of the clove pink, the cape jessamine, the tea rose, the clematis, and the heliotrope perfumed the air. Humming-birds flitted about like winged flowers. And the song of the thrush in the sweet-briar bush was echoed by the mocking-bird from the acacia tree!
“What a beautiful morning! And what a beautiful scene! In all our travels, grandpa, we did not see so sweet an old home as this!” said Anna enthusiastically.
“I am glad you think so, my dear; but great allowance must be made for your natural attachment to your birthplace,” smiled the General, as he sipped his coffee.
“Now, Drusilla, what do you say?” inquired Anna, appealing to her friend.