answered, finding her voice, and it sounded strangely sweet
and glad, even to herself, as she drew nearer and laid her hand in his.
"I am glad that you came; I--I have wished that you would."

It was not a romantic place at all, with the three little tumbled beds
and sleepers; the diminutive stockings, shoes, and slips, scattered
about, and Philip unmistakably snoring, as became a worn-out judge. But
as he clasped the hand laid in his, and drawing her to him, kissed her
gladly, I doubt if the most romantic spot, either side the sea, could
have made that meeting sweeter to either of them.

"I was on the porch when you passed through the hall," said Roger, in a
moment. "I had been out there some little time watching you through the
window, and studying your face, that I have so longed and hungered to
see in these years, and I read in it such complete happiness, that my
heart failed me. I had waited till you should reach the perfect goal of
your ambition, and should know what it was to own fame; and as I looked
at you, to-night, I thought it satisfied your heart entirely. So I was
tempted to go away without having you send me. When you came into the
hall with the baby, I followed you up here--quite against my will. As
you stood here a few moments ago, and I saw that sadness creep into your
face and eyes, I first thought that, perhaps, I had not come in vain.
And have you really wished that I would come, Olive?"

"Yes; neither my work nor my life is perfect without you, Roger, and I
think that I have known it for some time, though I never so fully
confessed it to myself as to-night. I honestly sent you from me, and I
honestly welcome you back. I have nothing more to wish for now."

So together they went down stairs, and the wanderer's welcome far
exceeded his strongest hopes. A new ray of light and joy seemed brought
into that circle, with this new union of hands, hearts, and happiness;
and as Mrs. Dering kissed each of her girls good-night, she said,
looking into Olive's eyes, with a loving smile:

"I fully believe, dear, that now you have no disappointment."

+------------------------------------------------+
|Transcriber's Note: |
| |
|The illustration on page 267 with the caption |
|"WHAT IS THE MATTER? WHAT HAS HAPPENED?" was not|
|available for inclusion in this ebook. |
+-------------------------