It was getting so late; it was getting unbearable.
At last there was a sound of voices, and a footstep in the entry.
"Ha's here!" cried Morel, jumping up.
Then he stood back.

The mother ran a few steps towards the door and waited.

There was a rush and a patter of feet, the door burst open.
William was there.

He dropped his Gladstone bag and took his mother in his arms.
"Mater!" he said.
"My boy!" she cried.
And for two seconds, no longer, she clasped him and kissed him.

Then she withdrew and said, trying to be quite normal: "But how late you are!" "Aren't I!" he cried, turning to his father.