Uncle Robert was coming. His letter, telling when they should expect him, had been received a week before. Every day since had been full of talks and plans for his visit, and now the day was come. Everything was ready.
Frank and Donald had harnessed Nell, the old white horse, to the little spring wagon, and had driven to the village to meet the train which was to bring Uncle Robert from New York.
Susie, in her prettiest white apron, ran out of the house every few minutes, to be the first to see them when they should come along the road.
Mrs. Leonard was putting finishing touches here and there. She went into the kitchen to give Jane a last direction about the supper. Then she went to the east room upstairs, Uncle Robert's room, to be sure that everything was just as she knew he would like it.
Susie followed her mother, to see if the violets in the glass on his table were still bright and fresh. She had gathered them herself in the woods that morning.
"There they come!" she cried. "I hear the wagon crossing the bridge at the creek!"
She ran quickly downstairs and out upon the piazza. A moment more, and the wagon turned in at the gate.
"Mother, mother," called Susie, "they're here!"
But Mrs. Leonard was already beside her. Her pleasant face glowed with a happy smile as Frank drew rein before the door.
Then such a time!