Mamma was by this time satisfied that her husband, Mr. Payson, was indeed in sight. He was a fisherman, and had been absent, on a trip to the Banks of Newfoundland, more than six weeks. There had been many storms during that time, and she had passed some anxious moments.
But now there he was before her eyes, safe and sound. "Come, Bella," she said, "let us see if we can't get the first kiss."
"No, no, I'll get it!" cried Tim, starting on the run for the landing-place.
Sure enough, Tim got the first kiss; but mother's and baby's and Bella's soon followed; and so there was no complaint.
Mr. Payson had made a prosperous trip. His schooner lay off the point, and he had sold his fish at a good profit.
How glad he was to get home, and find his family well! Tim brought him his primer, and proudly pointed to the pages he could read. Bella showed her first attempts at sewing; and, as for baby, she showed how well she could crow and frolic.
"I've found the first violet, papa," cried Bella.
"But I saw it first," said Tim.
"And I smelt of it first," said mother.