The spring work was opening; and Winthrop had enough to do without working on his own score.

Then Mr.Landholm came home; and the energies of both the one and the other were fully taxed, at the plough and the harrow, in the barnyard and in the forest, where in all the want of Rufus made a great gap.

Mrs.Landholm had more reason now to distress herself, and distressed herself accordingly, but it was of no use.

Winthrop wrought early and late, and threw himself into the gap with a desperate ardour that meant -- his mother knew what.
They all wrought cheerfully and with good heart, for they were together again; and the missing one was only thought of as a stimulus to exertion, or its reward.

Letters came from Rufus, which were read and read, and though not much talked about, secretly served the whole family for dessert at their dinner and for sweetmeats to their tea.