“‘And the people?’
“‘I only saw the mistress and children.’
“‘Nice?’
“‘Ye-es.’
“‘Wife a little pompous, perhaps?’
“‘Yes; I could not help thinking so,’ she faltered.
“‘And the children rude and disagreeable?’ I said, smiling.
“‘I’m—I’m afraid so,’ she faltered.
“‘Never mind, never mind,’ I said cheerfully. ‘It shan’t be for long, little woman. I shall never rest till I have a comfortable home for our darlings once again; and Hetty, God bless her! she has a way and disposition that must make every one love her. Mistress, children, servants, they will all love and respect her; so we must be patient for a while—only be patient.’
“These words frightened my poor wife again, but my calm quiet smiles reassured her; and that evening I eat up and had tea with those who were left—the two little ones—by the open window of my bedroom, and a sweet sense of calmness and content was over me, such as I had not known for many weary months.