their father's arms.

No one stopped to recall the stories of Eric Hopworth's youth nor of
his bringing the two babies back to his father. It was enough that he
was there among them, one of the country's heroes.

Mrs. Eaton was excitedly begging everyone to come to her home and have
ice cream and cake, and there was a general movement of young and old
to accept her hospitality. But when she urged Eric Hopworth he shook
his head, slipping one arm over his father's shoulder.

"I guess we want to go home," he explained, a little embarrassed. "You
see, it's been a long time--Pa and I have got a lot to say to each
other! And _we've_ got to get acquainted," nodding at the youngsters
who were clinging to his arm.

There was a great deal that Eric Hopworth could not tell his father,
for the simple reason that he had _not_ at his command the words that
could tell of the lessons the war had taught him. But in one simple,
awkward sentence he tried to express his remorse and penitence.

"Well, Pa," they had stopped before the door of the dilapidated house,
"I guess it took the war to make a man of me! I went into it 'cause it
looked pretty excitin', but it didn't take me long to find out it was a
big job and the kind of a job that meant a fellow had to give the very
best in him--and only the best! I've had time to think a lot and
things sort a come to me different, over there. I guess I know now
that I've got a job right here most as big as the war and I'm goin' to
do it! I'm goin' to make a home for you and Liz and the kids--a _real_
home!"

Nonie, standing off, a little shyly and uncertainly, was steeling
herself for a test. Out of a clear sky had dropped a real father. He
looked very big, but his face was kind, and he had a nice voice.
Perhaps--_perhaps_ one of her dreams was coming true! She slipped away
to her room and made ready for bed with trembling fingers. For a long
time she lay listening to the voices below. After a little Davy came
in and crawled sleepily into the cot in the corner. Still she waited,
her hands clasped tightly under the covers. At last she heard a
step--not like her grandfather's, nor Liz', she knew theirs--a
cautious, tip-toey step. As it came nearer she shivered with exquisite
anticipation.

Eric Hopworth leaned over the bed. He had thought Nonie would be
asleep. She held her eyes shut tight for a moment. He laid his hand
on her head with a shy, caressing movement. Suddenl