exact sum, but you may be sure of one thing, I paid more for it than
your good sense and good manner are worth both together." These two
ladies had made themselves so disagreeable by their silly and vain
manners that this "cut up" from my aunt was greeted by a burst of
laughter from all near enough to hear it, and the laugh was evidently
not against my aunt. The two girls blushed crimson, but made no reply,
and as soon as possible changed their seat to a distant part of the car,
possibly they might, for the remainder of their journey, be more mindful
of the courtesy and respect due to a fellow traveller.

As the dear old village of Elmwood rose to my view in the distance, I
could hardly contain my joy. I had written to my mother, informing her
of the day she might look for my arrival, but at the time I knew not
that Aunt Lucinda would accompany me, and her visit was certainly a
joyful surprise. Quite a number of my young companions had accompanied
my mother and sister to the depot. Charley Gray, of course, was there,
having returned to Elmwood two days earlier than I. It is needless for
me to say that, to all, the meeting was a happy one. My mother was
almost overjoyed at thus unexpectedly meeting with the sister she had
not seen for so long a time, and the sight of her elder sister recalled
to her mind many almost forgotten incidents of her childhood's days.
"You see Ellen," said Aunt Lucinda, addressing my mother, "I have
brought your boy home to you safe and sound, and I believe half a head
taller than when he left you. I don't know as I should have come only I
couldn't trust him away from me so long." "I should say by Walter's
appearance, that he has not missed a mother's care very much, and thanks
from me would poorly express my gratitude." Charley Gray had remained
with me the last night I spent at home, and he also gained permission to
remain this first night of my return. It was a happy, and I might add a
merry party which surrounded my mother's tea-table that evening, which,