They entered Mrs. Hartland's room, and the son, so hardly parted from, so anxiously and long expected, was pressed to his mother's heart. "My darling boy, you are indeed a Christmas gift."
"Yes, dear mother, we ought to have been back long ago; sometimes I was afraid I should never get back to you. Besides that hurricane off the Cape, which obliged us to put in for repairs, we have had very heavy weather since we crossed the line. But I have accomplished the business father sent me to do, thank God, and am with you all once more. Are Mary and Fanny well?"
"Yes, they have gone out to buy Christmas presents, and Robert with them."
"And Charlie?"
"Is spending a few days with Aunt Ellen, and will come back with them on Monday for the wedding and for Christmas."
"O mother dear!" said Isabel, "whom was your letter from?"
"From Aunt Ann. They are all well, and are coming on Monday."
"And Lucy and Jane?"
"Yes."