most beautiful woman in all the world (and I am always ready to back
this statement with abundant proofs!) rushed down and literally threw
herself into Mr. Robert's eager, outstretched arms.

"Nancy!"

"Bob! Bob! you wicked boy! You almost break our hearts. Not a line in
two months!--How could you!--You might have been dead and we not
know it!"--and she cried on his shoulder.

"Come now, Nancy; nonsense! You'll start the color running out of
this tie of mine!" But for all his jesting tone, Mr. Robert felt an
embarrassing lump wriggle up and down in his throat.

"Had your breakfast?" asked the humane and practical brother.

"Yep. But I shouldn't mind another cup of coffee."

And thereupon he was hustled into the dining-room and pushed into the
best chair. How the clear women fussed over him, pressed this upon
him and that; fondled and caressed him, just as if the beggar was
worth all this trouble and love and affection!

"Hang it, girls, it's worth being an outlaw to come to this," he
cried. He reached over and patted Nancy on the cheek, and pressed the
young wife's hand, and smiled pleasantly at his brother. "Jack, you
lucky pup, you!"

"Two years," murmured Nancy; "and we haven't had a glimpse of you in
two long years."