will-o'-the-wisp, when I could not hear a sound. But I'm very glad to
see you. We were saying only yesterday how long a time it was since
you'd been here. Now you must sit down, and tell us all the news.
Stop, though," she added, with a glance at the vine-clad window;
"Rejoice would like to see you, and hear the news too. Wait a moment,
Mr. De Arthenay! I'll go in and move her up by the window, so that she
can hear you."

She hastened into the house; and in a few minutes the blinds were
thrown back, and Miss Rejoice's sweet voice was heard, saying,
"Good-day, Mr. De Arthenay. It is always a good day that brings you."

The old man sprang up from his seat in the porch, and made a low bow
to the window. "It's a treat to hear your voice, Miss Rejoice, so it
is," he said heartily. "I hope your health's been pretty good lately?
It seems to me your voice sounds stronger than it did the last time I
was here."

"Oh, I'm very well," responded the invalid, cheerfully. "Very well, I
feel this summer; don't I, Vesta? And where have you been, Mr. De
Arthenay, all this time? I'm sure you have a great deal to tell us.
It's as good as a newspaper when you come along, we always say."

The old fiddler cleared his throat, and settled himself comfortably in
a corner of the porch, with Melody's hand in his. Miss Vesta produced
her knitting; Melody gave a little sigh of perfect content, and
nestled up to her friend's side, leaning her head against his
shoulder.

"Begin to tell now, Rosin," she said. "Tell us all that you know."