No one answered. All were watching the setting sun and listening for the sound of the carriage-wheels until a few moments had passed, and then Electra said, with a sigh:
"You will not get your wish then, for the sun is gone and they are not come."
"They are coming now, however. I hear the sound of their carriage-wheels," said Joseph Brent.
"Yes, indeed, for I see the carriage now," added Mr. Lyle, as the traveling-coach rolled rapidly in sight of the whole party and turned into the home drive.
A few moments more and the carriage drew up before the house, and Alden Lytton alighted and handed out his wife.
Another moment and Alden was in the arms of his sister and Emma on the bosom of Mrs. Fanning.
Hearty greetings, warm embraces ensued, and then they held off to look at each other.
Emma was more beautiful and Alden handsomer than ever.
"What a happy coming home!" said Emma, gratefully. "And you are all so well! And you are all here except those who are in heaven. Stay! I think they also are here to meet us, though we do not see them! Come, let us enter the house."
"Let me show you to your rooms. No one shall be your 'groom of the chambers,' Mr. and Mrs. Alden Lytton, but myself," said Laura, playfully, as she led the way upstairs to the elegant apartments that had been prepared for the young master and mistress of the house.