The tone of her voice, and the expression of her face told all he wished to know.
"My dear child!" fell warmly from the lips of Mr.Howland, as he grasped his daughter's hand, and then kissed tenderly both her own lips and those of her babe.
"Dear father!" murmured Mary, as she leaned her head, in tears, upon his breast.
At this moment there was a movement of feet in the parlor, and the husband of Mary presented himself.

An open, frank, forgiving expression was on his face, as he came forward and offered his hand, which was instantly seized by Mr.Howland, in a hearty pressure.
Andrew and his mother joined the group, and, with smiles and pleasant words, made perfect the sphere of happiness.
"My children," said Mr.Howland, at length, speaking in a trembling voice, "my cup is full to-night.

I must leave you a little while, or it will run over." And saying this, he gently disengaged himself, and passed up to his chamber, where he remained alone for over half an hour.

When he joined the family, his manner was greatly subdued, and in his speech there was a softness which none had known before.
In the glad reunion of that evening, how many heart-wounds were healed, how many old scars covered over and hidden!.