"What a home to cheer a fellow, after six months' absence!" murmured the young man, feeling sick at heart; "and it would seem so easy to make it cheerful and pleasant!"
He turned away, and, walking into the orchard, met his brother James.
"Hasn't father returned?" he asked.
"Oh, yes; two hours ago."
"Did he bring my trunks?"
"Yes," said James; "and a load he had of it. The old minister is come, with baggage enough of his own to last, I should think, a year or two."
Chester expressed some disagreeable sentiments touching the old clergyman's visit, and walked with James into the lane, behind the barn, to find his father.
Mr. Royden was rejoiced to meet his long-absent son.
"You milk the old red cow yet, I see," said Chester.
"Yes," replied his father, continuing the humble occupation; "I suppose I shall have to as long as we keep her."