The bit of Virginia-creeper planted under the window hung shriveled upon its trellis.
But Isabel's aunt met them with a refreshing shower of tears and kisses in the hall, throwing a solid arm about each of them.

"O you dears!" the good soul cried, "you don't know how anxious I've been about you; so many accidents happening all the time.

I've never read the 'Evening Transcript' till the next morning, for fear I should find your names among the killed and wounded." "O aunty, you're too good, always!" whimpered Isabel; and neither of the women took note of Basil, who said, "Yes, it 's probably the only thing that preserved our lives." The little tinge of discontent, which had colored their sentiment of return faded now in the kindly light of home.

Their holiday was over, to be sure, but their bliss had but began; they had entered upon that long life of holidays which is happy marriage.

By the time dinner was ended they were both enthusiastic at having got back, and taking their aunt between them walked up and down the parlor with their arms round her massive waist, and talked out the gladness of their souls.
Then Basil said he really must run down to the office that afternoon, and he issued all aglow upon the street.