Champney sprang up the steps two at a time, and for a moment the little wife and baby Aurora disappeared in his arms.
"Oh, Champney, I'm so thankful you've come! I knew just by the way you came over the bridge that things were going better at the sheds. You are so late I began to get worried. Come, supper's waiting."
"Wait a minute, Aileen—Mother—" he called through the hall, "come here a minute, please."
Aurora Googe came quickly at that ever welcome call. Her face was even more beautiful than formerly, for great joy and peace irradiated every feature.
"Where's Honoré?" he said abruptly, looking about for his boy who was generally the first to run as far as the bridge to greet him. His wife answered.
"He and Billy went with Father Honoré as far as the power-house; he'll be back soon with Billy. Sister Ste. Croix went by a few minutes ago, and I told her to hurry them home.—What's the good news, Champney? Tell me quick—I can't wait to hear it."
Champney smiled down at the eager face looking up to him; her chin was resting on her baby's head.
"Mr. Van Ostend has been in the sheds to-day—and I've had a long talk with him."
"Oh, Champney!"
Both women exclaimed at the same time, and their faces reflected the joy that shone in the eyes of the man they loved with a love bordering on worship.