"We are very glad to see you, captain," she said. "Your telegram this
morning was a delightful surprise."
"Yes, it was, indeed, to all of us who knew of its coming," said Mr.
Dinsmore, shaking hands in his turn.
"My wife! how is she? and the children? are they all well?" asked the
gentleman half breathlessly.
"All well," was the answer. "We told Violet you had reported yourself in
Washington, and she will not be overcome at sight of you. You will find
her in her own rooms."
He hurried thither, met Gracie at the head of the stairs, and caught her
in his arms with an exclamation of astonishment and delight.
"Can this be my baby girl? this plump, rosy little darling?"
"Papa!" she cried, throwing her arms about his neck and hugging him
tightly, while he kissed her again and again with ardent affection, "oh,
have you come? No, I'm your own little Gracie, but not the baby girl now,
for there's a little one on mamma's lap. Come, and I'll show you."
"Ah!" he exclaimed, letting her lead him on. "I had not heard, have not
had a letter for three or four weeks."
They were at the door. Gracie threw it open.
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