und,
and I have every hope that he will not trouble poor Julia any more with
his odious presence. As he knows now that there are two of us keeping
watch, and must remember what you have said to him, I fully believe that
he will take himself off to a distance, if not go abroad, and that we
need not be afraid of his annoying us any more either here or at
Flixworth Manor."

"That's pretty much what I think too," replied his brother; "but what am
I to say at home?"

"Just what you like. But as to our dear sister, I want you to express
to my father her delight and gratitude when I gave her his love, and
told her that there was still a place for her in the old home. And then
would you find out from him or through our aunt how soon she may come
back to us? for I want to get her out of this place. When she is once
in her old home again she will be safe out of the clutches of her cruel
husband. I will wait here for an answer, which you can send me by post;
and, should that answer warrant poor Julia's return at once, I will see
all things got ready, and will bring her myself. And, should there be
anything in the way of her returning immediately, I can remove her for a
time to where her children are, as I shall be better able to keep my eye
upon her there."

"All right, Amos; I'm not afraid of leaving you here now, for I am as
fully persuaded as you are that Mr Vivian has had such a lesson as he
won't forget in a hurry, and that he will make himself pretty scarce for
some time to come. You shall hear from me by to-morrow's post.--Ah, but
there's another thing: am I to say anything about the children? for if
poor Julia is to come back we shall have to make room for the children
as well."

"Nay, dear Walter," said his brother, "I think it would be better to say
nothing about the children; they are safe and happy where they are. Let
us leave the matter to our dear father. When Julia has got her old
place in his house and heart back again, I feel sure that it will not be
long before he bids her himself send for the children. Don't you think
it will be better that it should come from himself?"

"Just so, Amos; you are right, as usual. Well, this is a capital ending
to a queer beginning. And what will old Harry say to see `Miss Julia as
was' turning up `Mistress Julia as is'? Oh, won't it be capital fun to
see him welcome her back!" So Walter set off on his homeward journey in
high spirits, and in due time reached hi