Kathleen, who was ten, made a dive for him, and Rose, who was fourteen, came flying after her.

Both girls were screaming joyously.
Their sunny hair danced.

Lenore waited for him at the step, and as he mounted the porch, burdened by the three girls, his anxious, sadly smiling wife came out to make perfect the welcome home.

No--not perfect, for Anderson's joy held a bitter drop, the absence of his only son! "Oh, dad, what-all did you fetch me ?" cried Kathleen, and she deserted her father for the bundle-laden Jake.
"And me!" echoed Rose.
Even Lenore, in the happiness of her father's return, was not proof against the wonder and promise of those many bundles.
They all went within, through a hall to a great, cozy living-room.

Mrs.
Anderson's very first words, after her welcoming smile, were a half-faltered: "Any--news of--Jim ?" "Why--yes," replied Anderson, hesitatingly.
Suddenly the three sisters were silent.