And all round the house were gables and doorways and windows, showing carvings and inscriptions wherever the ivy had not hid them.
The door stood wide open and in the porch his mother was sitting.

She had a piece of old English lace in her hand, which she was carefully darning.

Suddenly she heard John's footsteps and she lifted her head and listened intently.

Then with a radiant face she stood upright just as John came from behind the laurel hedge into the golden rays of the setting sun, and her face was transfigured as she called in a strong, joyful voice, "O John! John! I've been longing for you days and days.

Come inside, my dear lad.