Now, a miserable accident, which, had he been at home, could have been prevented by a word, had wrecked the work and the hopes of years, and put beyond Mr Rimbolt's power all further chance of helping it on.
About a week after Mr Rimbolt's return, when all but Percy were beginning to settle down again into a semblance of their old order of things, Raby knocked at her uncle's door and inquired if he was busy.
She looked happier than he had seen her since his return.

The reason was easy to guess.

The post had brought her a letter from her father.
"I thought you would like to see it," said she.

"He has got leave at last, and expects to be home at the end of September.

Will you read the letter ?" added she, colouring; "there's something else in it I should like you to see." The letter was chiefly about the prospects of coming home.