Then with joy Paul recognized the rider, and ran eagerly down the stairs to give him welcome, and reached the paved walk just as Cloudy drew rein and threw himself from the saddle.
The meeting was a cordial, joyous one—with Cloudy it was sincere, unmixed joy; with Paul it was only a pleasant surprise and a transient forgetfulness. Rapid questions were asked and answered, as they hurried into the house.
Cloudy's ship had been ordered home sooner than had been expected; he had reached Norfolk a week before, B—— that afternoon, and had immediately procured a horse and hurried on home. Hence his unlooked-for arrival.
"How is Thurston? How is Miriam? How are they all at Luckenough?"
"All are well; the family at Luckenough are absent in the South, but are expected home every week."
"And where is Miriam?"
"At the village."
"And Thurston?"
"In his library, as usual," said Paul, and touched the bell to summon a messenger to send to Mr. Willcoxen.
"Have you dined, Cloudy?"