This letter was addressed to the elder son, went through the village
post-office, and when its direction was seen, such interest was excited
and so much curiosity, that half the women in the hamlet had been
allowed to take a look at its cover before it was sent away.

Perhaps Madam Melcombe herself, when she sat expecting these long-lost
sons to appear, was scarcely more agitated or more excited than were the
people in that sequestered place. A good many cottagers were hanging
about or looking out of the windows when they alighted, and going into
the small inn called for spirits and water. It was known outside at once
what they had asked for. No wonder they wanted some Dutch courage to
take them into her presence, was the general thought.

Several little boys had gathered in front of the door longing, and yet
dreading, to get a sight of them. Some inhabitants would have liked to
hiss, but lacked unanimity or courage, nobody wanted to begin. Some
would have liked to speak, but had not considered beforehand what to
say.

The brothers came out, the children fell back; but one little fellow, a
child five years old, with a sort of holy necessity upon him (as was
supposed) to give his testimony, threw a very little bit of soft dirt at
the legs of one of them.

This action was not noticed; and before the other little urchins had
found time for aught more fruitful than regret that they had not done
likewise, the gentlemen got into their post-chaise, and were driven to
the old mansion.