"Oh, I know the voice, the touch!—dearest, dearest Nell!" I cried, and, turning quickly, threw my arms about the neck of my only brother.
He gathered me a moment warmly to his heart, then in his old-time playful way lifted me quite off my feet in his strong arms, saying:
"She has not grown an inch; and is not, I believe, a day older than when we last parted! Is she, Joe?" turning to our sister.
"It does not seem so," said my sister, "but I thought she would never come."
"Trust her for that!" he said. "But come, now; they have had you long enough for the first visit; the rest of us want you for awhile. Come with us, Jodie. Mother, I may have them both for a little time, may I not? or will you come, too?" turning to our mother with a caressing touch.
"I cannot go, dear boy; I must be here when your father returns. Take your sisters; it is a blessed sight to see you all again together."
"Come then," he said; and, each taking one of my hands, we went out together.
"Halt!" he suddenly called, in his old-time military fashion, after a short walk, and we stopped abruptly in front of a dainty house built of the finest polished woods. It was beautiful both in architecture and finish.
"How lovely!" I cried; and with a bow of charming humility he said:
"The home of your humble servant. Enter."