But then there was a shout of welcome from little Horace, followed instantly by joyous exclamations and embraces from the others.
"Dear me, what a long stay you made of it!" said Adelaide. "You can have no idea how I missed you all; even down to this little man," patting Horace's rosy cheek. "You look remarkably well, Rose; and the two Horaces also; but Elsie, I think, has grown a little pale, thin, and heavy-eyed. What ails you, child? Pining for your native air—no, home air—I presume. Is that it?"
"Hardly pining for it, auntie, but very glad to get back, nevertheless," Elsie answered, with a blush and a smile.
"And you are not pale now. But don't let me interrupt your pleasant employment. I wish I had been in time to see the whole of it."
"You are in season for your own gifts. Will you accept a trifle from me?" said her brother, putting a jewel-case into her hand.
"Coral! and what a beautiful shade!" she cried. "Thank you; they are just what I wanted."
"I thought they would contrast prettily with this, auntie," said
Elsie, laying a dress-pattern of black silk upon her lap.
"And these are to be worn at the same time, if it so pleases you," added Rose, presenting her with collar and undersleeves of point lace.
"Oh, Rose, how lovely! and even little Horace bringing auntie a gift!" as the child slipped something into her hand.
"It's only a card-case; but mamma said you'd like it, Aunt Adie."