I have no one to love me, now that my dear husband is dead, but you and my darling Ellen." The news of Lucy's expected return spread rapidly.

Old Martha in her joy was the mouthpiece.

She gave the details out at church the Sunday morning following the arrival of Lucy's letter.

She was almost too ill to venture out, but she made the effort, stopping the worshippers as they came down the board walk; telling each one of the good news, the tears streaming down her face.

To the children and the younger generation the announcement made but little difference; some of them had never heard that Miss Jane had a sister, and others only that she lived abroad.