h, Father is coming!
Through all the long day
We thought of him often,
When he was away;
We knew he was working
While we were at play.
He'll be tired, I think;
I have set him a chair
In his own cosy corner—
He likes to sit there—
And we'll bring him his slippers,
His old favourite pair.
I think it's the nicest
To watch at the gate;
And Dolly sits by us
While thus we all wait.
He'll be here very soon—
It's so seldom he's late.
See, Baby knows too
Who is coming to-night;
She is crowing, and clapping
Her hands with delight!
There's his footstep at last!
Oh, hurrah! he's in sight.
THEIR ROAD TO FORTUNE.
THE STORY OF TWO BROTHERS.
By the Author of "The Heir of Elmdale," &c. &c.
CHAPTER XVI.—"THE HEAD OF THE FAMILY."
"Tell me everything, Aunt Amy," Bertie said, as soon as he could find a voice. "When did it happen? Was it an accident? Oh! why didn't you send for me sooner?"
"It was very sudden, darling," Mrs. Clair replied. "I telegraphed for you at once, for your uncle wished it, and asked for you as long as he was conscious. But the doctor said from the first that there was no hope, and even wondered how he had lived so long. I fancy your uncle knew from the first that the attack would be fatal whenever it came. Do you know why he asked for you so often, Bertie?"
"No, aunt, except that he always loved me, and was very, very good to me."
"Yes, dear, and he trusted you too; almost his last words were, 'Tell Bertie he must take care of you and Agnes: he must be the "head of the family" now!' Uncle Harry's death will make a great difference to us, dear."