It was a pleasure, after many wanderings, to find himself in his native land again, and Bernard Longueville, as he went, paid his compliments to his mother-city.

The brightness and gayety of the place seemed a greeting to a returning son, and he felt a throb of affection for the freshest, the youngest, the easiest and most good-natured of great capitals.

On presenting himself at Gordon's door, Bernard was told that the master of the house was not at home; he went in, however, to see the mistress.
She was in her drawing-room, alone; she had on her bonnet, as if she had been going out.

She gave him a joyous, demonstrative little welcome; she was evidently very glad to see him.

Bernard had thought it possible she had "improved," and she was certainly prettier than ever.