"How glad I am I Aunt Milly is coming home at last!"
My father looked up with an expression of pleased surprise; and we four girls plied our mother with questions as to when Aunt Milly would arrive. Would she stay with us at Welland? And if not, where?
"Aunt Milly is going to her own home. They are now preparing Denesfield, and in a month she hopes to be settled there."
As children we had always been warmly welcomed under our aunt's roof; but during the long years which had passed since our removal to Welland, we had forgotten what Denesfield was like. We told our mother so, when she spoke of its beauty.
"You will soon have an opportunity of refreshing your memories," she answered. "Listen to what your aunt writes;" and she read from the letter:
"I hope my young nieces will be my guests as often and for as long a time as you can spare them. As Mildred is my namesake and god-daughter, you must let her come as soon as possible after I reach home. Alice, Ellen, and Miriam will forgive me this preference. Tell them, with my love, that I hope Aunt Milly's house will be a second home to them all."
There was no feeling of envy because I received the first invitation. We sisters loved each other, and if one had a special pleasure, the rest rejoiced with her. There was no striving amongst us; and, as I look back, I often feel how the sympathy which reigned amongst us increased our happiness.
I own that I was nearly wild with delight at the prospect of leaving Welland for a time. I longed to take all my dear ones with me; but in that quiet spot, with its round of duties and pleasures, the days seemed so much alike that I was eager for a change.
The time came to an end at last, and I started on my journey. Travelling was not so easy then as now; but I was able to go nearly the whole distance under the care of an old friend. Two miles from Denesfield, I changed my seat in the mail-coach for one in my aunt's carriage, which was waiting for me.
But I received my welcome before I reached the house. A tall, stately-looking lady stood on the pavement as the coach drew up, and having seen her likeness, I recognised my aunt. I sprang forward, exclaiming: