"No, mamma," Percy said, "from some particulars he gave, and from what he said, I feel almost sure--I may say I am quite sure--it is Ralph. I would not say so, you know, unless I felt very certain."
Mrs. Barclay felt that he would not, and fell into her husband's arms, crying softly with happiness.
Milly was no longer in the room. She had caught the glance between her father and Percy, and had rightly interpreted it. She had risen to her feet, but a warning gesture from Captain Barclay had checked the cry of gladness on her lips; and she had stolen quietly from the room, closed the door noiselessly, had flown to the front door and out into the road beyond, and was now crying happily in Ralph's arms.
"And when do you think he can get here, Richard?" Mrs. Barclay asked her husband.
"Soon, dear--quite soon," he answered. "He may come tomorrow. He would be certain to come almost as quickly as the news."
"Oh, how happy I am!" Mrs. Barclay said. "Thank God for His mercies! To think that, tomorrow, I may have both my boys back again."
"Will there be another train in, tonight, Percy?" Captain Barclay asked.
"Quite possibly," Percy said; "indeed, indeed,"--and he hesitated--"you see, I walked up fast; it is just possible that he may have arrived by this train."
Mrs. Barclay understood now.
"He is come," she exclaimed, looking up. "I know it, now."