The man nodded, and grinned, and then, deliberately crossing the street, gained the door, and knocked loudly.

Still Alice did not stir--her senses seemed to have forsaken her.

Presently the stranger's loud, rough voice was heard below, in answer to the accents of the solitary woman-servant whom Alice kept in her employ; and his strong, heavy tread made the slight staircase creak and tremble.

Then Alice rose as by an instinct, caught her child in her arms, and stood erect and motionless facing the door.

It opened--and the FATHER and DAUGHTER were once more face to face within the same walls.
"Well, Alley, how are you, my blowen ?--glad to see your old dad again, I'll be sworn.