The postman came running back, afraid something had happened.

They saw his tipped cap over the short curtains.
Mrs.Morel rushed to the door.
"His picture's got first prize, Fred," she cried, "and is sold for twenty guineas." "My word, that's something like!" said the young postman, whom they had known all his life.
"And Major Moreton has bought it!" she cried.
"It looks like meanin' something, that does, Mrs.Morel," said the postman, his blue eyes bright.

He was glad to have brought such a lucky letter.

Mrs.Morel went indoors and sat down, trembling.

Paul was afraid lest she might have misread the letter, and might be disappointed after all.