The face of an old friend is good to see after a long absence.

Tears filled my eyes when the sunny blue ones looked into them, and the handsome face, quivering with emotion, smiled into mine.

I was glad to feel once more the clasp of that honest hand.
"Ah, Lance," I cried, "I would travel twice as far for one hour with you!" I shall never forget that pretty station at Vale Royal.

A beautiful brawling river ran close by, spanned by an old-fashioned rustic bridge; three huge chestnut trees, now in full flower, seemed to shade the whole place.
"A pretty spot," said proud, happy Lance; "but wait till you see Dutton! I tell Frances that I am quite sure it is the original garden of Paradise!" "Let us pray that no serpent may enter therein," I said.
"There is no fear, John," he replied; "my Frances would be an antidote against all the serpents in the world.

We shall have a glorious drive home! How do you like my carriage ?" It was perfect, so were the horses, so was the groom in his neat livery, so was the dogcart waiting for the luggage, so was the magnificent retriever that ran with the carriage.