"I think you will have to include us in your family, Mrs. Hayden, for we could not resist the family welcome, said Grace, smiling with happiness, as she grasped Mrs. Hayden's hand and drew Kate close beside her with the other.
"You are included my dears. There is but one family you know," was the cordial reply grasping the hand of each.
"What a change in you, Grace—Kate—why, I should hardly know you," exclaimed Mrs. Hayden, after the first excitement was over.
"Grace has lost the cloud of perplexity and doubt, and Kate the expression of fear," she added, turning to Mr. Hayden with a pleased surprise.
"Didn't I tell you they were both growing beautiful?" was his laughing answer. "But girls," he added, "don't you notice something different in Mrs. Hayden? That is quite wonderful, I think."
"Really, Mrs. Hayden," exclaimed Grace, with wonder, "you are not nearly so fleshy are you? I can hardly define the change, if that is not it, but I noticed something the moment I saw you."
"I have lost something in weight since I left home," she replied, somewhat amused at their looks of astonishment.
"Your figure is so much better proportioned, too," continued Grace.
"And your complexion clearer," added Kate.
"Do tell us what it all means. You certainly look better than I ever saw you," said Grace again.