"He is a fine fellow," said Alick. "And how did you think Eiley was looking?"
"Uncommonly well—far better than I ever saw her before," answered the doctor.
"Yes, she looks like her own old self before—before Duncan remembers her," said Christian, seemingly altering the construction of her sentence on a second thought. "I have a letter and a parcel for you in my bag, Marie. You have never been to visit your mother in her new home, I believe?"
"No, ma'am."
"And Mr. Van Alstine has never found time to visit us but once," said old Hector. "Then I was very much pleased with him. He seems a kind, sensible man, and makes Eiley a good husband, though I often think she must have a heavy handful with all yon lads, and not a lass among them to help her."
"It is very nice sitting over the supper-table this fashion," said Alick; "but if Christian and Duncan are to have their trunks to-night, I must go after them, though what any one wants of so much luggage I cannot guess."
"Hoot, toot, man Alick! Ye have no seen the half yet. Think how many presents we had to remember. I wanted to have brought you a pair of leather-eared, white-eyed Syrian goats, but I could find no convenient way to pack them. I will go with you and help you load up."
"Your parcel is in my bag, Marie. I thought you would want to see it directly," said Aunt Christian. "Baby is older, and can wait for hers. The letter is from your mother, the present from your father."
Marion's curiosity was too much excited to allow her to take her usual offence at hearing Mr. Van Alstine called her father. To her credit be it said, however, she glanced over the letter before touching the parcel. Joy of joys! The box contained a plain and simple but pretty gold hunting-case watch and chain.
"A watch! A real live watch!" exclaimed Marion. "And such a beauty! Look, Auntie Baby."