“J. was for Julius—­not Julia,” said the mother.

“No; J. H. C. and R. C. had a separate device of roses all to themselves.  Hark! is that a cheer beginning again?  Had we not better go into the drawing-room, mother? it will be so many for you all together.”

“Oh no, I must see you all.”

The brothers hurried out with their welcome; and in another minute, a plump soft cheek was pressed to the mother’s, devouring kisses were hailed on her, and a fuller sweeter tone than had yet been heard answered the welcome.

“Thank you.  So kind!  Here’s Julius!  I’ll not be in your way.”

“Dearest mother, how is it with you?” as her son embraced her.  “Rose has been longing to be with you.”

“And we’ve all come together!  How delicious!” cried Rosamond, enfolding Anne in her embrace; “I didn’t know you were come!—­See, Julius!”

But as Julius turned, a startled look came over Anne’s face; and she turned so white, that Rosamond exclaimed, “My dear—­what—­she’s faint!” And while Cecil stood looking puzzled, Rosamond had her arm round the trembling form, and disappeared with her, guided and assisted by Nurse Susan.

“Isn’t she—?” exclaimed Julius, in a voice of triumph that made all smile.

“Full of sweet kindness,” said Mrs. Poynsett; “but I have only seen and heard her yet, my dear Julius.  Susan will take her to her room—­ my old one.”

“Oh, thank you, mother,” said Julius, “but I hardly like that; it seems like your giving it up.”

“On the contrary, it proves that I do not give it up, since I put in temporary lodgers like you.—­Now Cecil is housed as you preferred, Raymond—­in the wainscot-rooms.”

“And where have you put that poor Mrs. Miles?” asked Raymond.  “She looks quite knocked up.”

“Yes, she has been very ill on the voyage, and waited at Southampton to gather strength for the journey.—­I am so grateful to your good Rose, Julius.—­Why, where is the boy?  Vanished in her wake, I declare!”

“His venerable head is quite turned,” said Frank.  “I had to get inside alone, and let them drive home outside together to avoid separation.”

Raymond repeated his question as to the quarters of Miles’s wife.

“I had the old schoolroom and the bedroom adjoining newly fitted up,” answered Mrs. Poynsett.  “Jenny Bowater was here yesterday, and gave the finishing touches.  She tells me the rooms look very nice.—­ Cecil, my dear, you must excuse deficiencies; I shall look to you in future.”

“I hope to manage well,” said Cecil.  “Had I not better go up now?  Will you show me the way, Raymond?”

The mother and her two younger sons remained.

“Haven’t I brought you home a splendid article?” was Frank’s exclamation.  “Julius has got the best of it.”

“I back my Cape Gooseberry,” returned Charles.  “She has eyes and hair and skin that my Lady can’t match, and is a fine figure of a woman besides.”