not have to choke down two or three tears before I could answer mamma.
Do you think she noticed it?

We were getting near our own station now, and I grew very eager, looking
out for papa's brougham. How cold the air was, going out of the station,
and what a cosy remembrance of home feeling there was about the soft
corner, where I had often nestled when driving with papa!

I don't remember much about Bobby's welcome; I know both little brothers
seemed a little strange to me till about the middle of tea-time. Bobby
was very hot and excited with his half-hour before the nursery fire,
making toast for Sissy's first tea at home. I could feel that he was
looking at me very hard, but I don't think we were either of us quite
comfortable till he had thrown his arms round my neck, repeating his old
cry, "Nursey, I'm so glad Sissy's come home!" After that it was all
right, and we chattered away nineteen to the dozen. Dear old nurse! she
was as pleased to see me again as possible. Indeed, I am not sure that
she did not keep me up half an hour later than mamma intended, just
talking to me and "blessing my little heart," in her own loving fashion.
When I went through the night nursery at last to my own little room, I
made her let me stop and look at the little ones; and what a hugging and
kissing she gave me when I declared that they were ever so much prettier
than the Beecham cousins. Dear little Bobby, with his sweet, rosy,
budding mouth, and baby Willie's round cheeks and bright, golden curls,
I can remember just how they looked!

In a day or two we settled down together, and I was quite at home. The
only person who still seemed restless was Jane. For two or three weeks
she was always talking about the Park, and wishing herself back there.
Then, all of a sudden, she grew quite bright and happy, and talked away