He would not speak a word to dash from her those fond hopes which she so plainly cherished.

He would not speak of the peril overshadowing him, which might at any moment become imminent.
"It is good to be home, mother!" he said, and kissed her many times.
The servants raised a cheer for the young Squire.

Tom turned and smiled at them, and spoke a few words of thanks.

How familiar it all was! How had he ever despised the love of the people round him, and of those two faithful women who loved him so truly and so well?
"Dear mother," he said tenderly, "you are so much better to me than ever I deserve; I will try to live to be a comfort to you some day.
I have given you little but sorrow and pain as yet." "Nay, Tom, you have served your country, and that should satisfy a mother's pride.

Come in, my son, and tell us your adventures.