They stood back respectfully till greetings had been exchanged between
relatives and friends, then pressed forward with their words of welcome,
sure of a shake of the hand and kind word from each member of the family.
Mr. Dinsmore held little Gracie in his arms. She was much fatigued and
exhausted by the long journey.
"Here is a patient for you, Arthur," he said, "and I am very glad you are
here to attend to her."
"Yes," said Violet, "her father charged me to put her in your care."
"Then let her be put immediately to bed," said Arthur, after a moment's
scrutiny of the child. "Give her to me, uncle, and I will carry her
up-stairs."
"To my room," added Violet.
But the child shrunk from the stranger, and clung to Mr. Dinsmore.
"No, thank you, I will take her up myself," he said. "I am fully equal to
it," and he moved on through the hall and up the broad stairway, Violet
and the doctor following.
The others presently scattered to their rooms to rid themselves of the
dust of travel and dress for the evening.
"Well, little wife, is it nice to be at home again?" Edward asked, with a
smiling look at Zoe, as they entered their apartments.
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