86 THE DOLL AND HER FRIENDS.

happy; and when my thoughts travelled to other
scenes and times, I sometimes wondered whether
my former friends enjoyed themselves as much in
their southern gardens, as this honest family im
their English fields.

Our needlework was finished and sent to Sarah’s
care to await Margaret’s arrival, for which we were
very anxious.

On returning home one evening after our walk,
we passed, as we often did, through the street in
which I had formerly lived. Susan was leading her
little sister, who, on her part, clutched me in a way
very unlike the gentleness which Susan bestowed
upon her. On arriving at the well-known house, we
saw Sarah standing at the area-gate. We stopped
to speak to her.

“ When are they expected?” asked Susan’s
mother.

“They may be here any minute,” answered
Sarah : “ Mr. Edward has just brought the news.”

The street-door now opened, and two gentlemen
came out and stood on the steps. One was a tall
fine-looking boy, grown almost into a young man;
but I could not mistake the open good-humoured
countenance of my old friend Edward. The other
was older, and I recognised him as the traveller
who used to describe Madeira to Willy.