She thought of her weary years of service, her watchings by sick-beds, her ministry to the poor, her long loneliness, and acknowledged to herself that her reward had come.

To be so loved and petted, and cared for, and waited upon, was payment for every sacrifice and every service, and she felt that she and the world were at quits.
Before the finishing touches to her toilet were given, there was a tumult at the door.

She could hear new voices.

The guests were arriving.
She heard laughter and merry greetings; and still they poured in, as if they had come in a procession.

Then there was a hush, followed by the sound of a carriage, the letting down of steps, and a universal murmur.
Jim had arrived, with Mr.and Mrs.Balfour and the boys.