“Probably somebody wanting the doctor,” sighed Herbert, rising and moving toward the entrance.
At that moment the vehicle came to a standstill at the veranda steps, and instantly out sprang a manly form and came quickly up them.
“Walter!” exclaimed Herbert, reaching out his hand, which the other grasped and shook heartily.
“Yes, brother mine, it is I. Where’s mother? Mother! mother, dear! Oh, how glad I am to have you in my arms once more!” as she sprang forward with a cry of joy.
“Walter, my dear, dear youngest son!” and he caught her in his arms. “My baby boy,” she laughed the next moment; “my baby boy grown taller than his mother. Oh, why wasn’t he here to meet and greet me when I got home?”
“A little business matter, and a misunderstanding as to the probable time of my mother’s arrival,” he answered, repeating his caresses.
Then they released each other, and joyous and affectionate greetings were exchanged with the remaining members of the family.
“You should have been here sooner, Walter,” said Herbert when all were seated again, with his mother in the midst. “She has been telling Ed and me some very interesting things about her recent visit to California.”
“Perhaps mother will repeat her story to me one of these days,” said Walter. “At present it seems almost enough to see her dear face, without hearing anything but the sound of her sweet voice.”