ew no
words to express their delight, and stood looking at him open-mouthed,
smiling.

"Well, here you are! We were surprised to get your telegram. When did
you land?"

When they found their tongues, it was only to say commonplace things
such as they might have spoken to a casual friend who had come from
London for the day. They were so used to controlling themselves, that
when their emotion was overpowering they were at a loss to express it.

"Would you like to go upstairs and wash your hands?"

They both accompanied him.

"You see it's all just as it was. We thought you'd like your old room.
If you want anything you can ring the bell."

They left him, and going downstairs, sat opposite one another by the
fire. The dining-room was furnished with a saddle-bag suite; and Colonel
Parsons sat in the "gentleman's chair," which had arms, while Mrs.
Parsons sat in the "lady's chair," which had none; nor did either dream,
under any circumstances, of using the other's seat. They were a little
overcome.

"How thin he is!" said Mrs. Parsons.

"We must feed him up," answered the Colonel.

And then, till the soldier came, they remained in silence. Mrs. Parsons
rang the bell for the chops as soon as he appeared, and they sat down;
but James ate alone. His people were too happy to do anything but watch
him.

"I have had tea made," said Mrs. Parsons, "but you can have some claret,
if you prefer it."

Five years' absence had not dulled Jamie's memory of his father's wine,
and he chose the tea.

"I think a strong cup of tea will do you most good," said his mother,
and she poured it out for him as when he was a boy, with plenty of milk
and sugar.

His tastes had never been much consulted; things had been done, in the
kindest manner possible, solely for his good. James detested sweetness.

"No sugar, please, mother," he said, as she dived into the sugar-basin.

"Nonsense, Jamie," answered Mrs. Parsons, with her good-humoured,
indulgent smile. "Sugar's good for you." And she put in two big lumps.

"You don't ask after Mary," said Colonel Parsons.

"How is she?" said James. "Where is she?"

"If you wait a little she'll be here."

Then Mrs. Parsons broke in.

"I don't know what we should have done without her; she's been so good
and kind to us, and such a comfort. We're simply devoted to her, aren't
we, Richmond?"

"She's the nicest girl I've ever seen."

"And she's so good. She works among the poor like a profe