Mr.
Bayard was absorbed in the perusal of the morning paper, and did not observe his entrance.

With his heart up in his throat, and almost choking him, he stood for several minutes upon the threshold.

He almost feared to speak, dreading the severe frown with which he expected to be received.

Suspense, however, was more painful than condemnation, and he brought his resolution up to the point.
"Mr.Bayard," said he, in faltering tones.
"Bobby!" exclaimed the bookseller, dropping his paper upon the floor, and jumping upon his feet as though an electric current had passed through his frame.
Grasping our hero's hand, he shook it with so much energy that, under any other circumstances, Bobby would have thought it hurt him.

He did not think so now.
"My poor Bobby! I am delighted to see you!" continued Mr.Bayard.
Bobby burst into tears, and sobbed like a child, as he was.