I received a letter from Charley Gray informing me that he intended spending several weeks of the summer at Elmwood, and urgently requesting me to meet him there.  I had intended visiting Elmwood before receiving his letter; I had only been once there during the three past years, and I felt the need of a respite from the cares of business.  My sister also expected this summer to return home, having spent four years at school, and I looked forward with much pleasure to the time when we should meet again in the dear old home at Elmwood.  Time had worked a great change in me since I left that home eight years before.  Providence had smiled upon my efforts to assist my widowed mother and sister.  Through my means my mother was now placed in a home of comfort and affluence, and my sister had received a thoroughly good education.  I was still prospered, and of late was fast accumulating money.  Never before, since leaving the paternal roof, had I felt so strong a desire to rest for a time beneath its shelter, and as the time drew nigh I could hardly control my impatience.  At home again!  I realized this happiness in its truest meaning, when I found myself again beneath the roof that had sheltered my childhood.  Flora too was there, but so much changed that I could hardly recognize the little sister who had ever looked up to me for protection and love.  The very evening after my arrival Dr. Gray called.  His call surprised us a little as the hour was late.  He came in with his old good-humored laugh, saying:  “Do not be alarmed, for this is not a professional visit, and for once I have left my medicine-case at home; but when I went home quite late in the evening and learned that Walter had arrived I thought I should sleep all the more soundly for coming over to welcome you to Elmwood again.  By the bye,” continued he, “I hear Walter that you are fast becoming rich; well I am glad to hear it, and I am pretty sure you will make a good use of your money.”  I assured him I was far enough from being rich.  “Modest as ever,” replied he, “but no matter, better that than forward and boastful, no fear but you’ll get along.  I am expecting Charley to arrive every day,” said he, “and then won’t we have the good old-fashioned times again.”  I was very happy to meet my old friend again in such good spirits.  The next day while, conversing with my mother, I suddenly remembered Farmer Judson, and I enquired if his temper was improved any of late.  My mother looked serious as she replied, “I had forgotten to tell you, Mr. Judson has been ill for a long time.  He first had lung-fever from which he partially recovered, but he now seems like one in a slow consumption; I have not as yet called to see him, as I hear he is very irritable and does not care to see people, and I feared he would take my visit as an intrusion.  I very much pity his poor wife, who is almost worn out with attending upon him, and would gladly aid her were it in my power.”  As a boy I had cherished anger toward the farmer; but that had all passed away and I felt sorry to hear of his illness.