On the morning of the day on which she was expected home, a boy who had lived in the family when she went away, called Hector to him, and endeavored, by showing him some garment which Kate had worn and by repeating her name, to make him understand that she was coming home.  We will not say that Hector understood him, but we know that during the day he never for a moment left the house or yard, but lay upon the piazza, looking eagerly toward the road which led from the village.  Whenever he saw a carriage coming, he would start up and gaze wistfully at it until it had passed, then he would again lie down and resume his watch.  Mrs. Wilmot noticed this, and when Hector, as we have seen, walked up to her and looked so sympathizingly in her face, she patted his head, saying, “Poor Hector; you will see Kate at least today.”

Nor was she mistaken, for about three that afternoon, an omnibus drew up before the gate.  Kate immediately sprang out, and was followed by Mr. Miller and Fanny.  Their arrival was first made known to Mrs. Wilmot by the cry of joy which Hector sent forth at sight of Kate.  With lightning speed he bounded over the lawn to meet the travelers.  Fanny, who was accustomed to the savage watchdogs of Kentucky, sprang back in terror and clung to Mr. Miller for protection; but Kate cried out, “Do not fear; it is only Hector, and he wouldn’t harm you for the world.”  Then she ran forward to meet him, and embraced him as fondly as though he had really been a human being, and understood and appreciated it all.  And he did seem to, for after caressing Kate, he looked about as if in quest of the missing one.  Gradually he seemed to become convinced that Richard was not there; again was heard the old wailing howl; but this time it was more prolonged, more despairing.  Faithful creature!  Know you not that summer’s gentle gale and winter’s howling storm have swept over the grave of him whom you so piteously bemoan.

Fanny stopped her ears to shut out the bitter cry, but if Kate heard it, she heeded it not, and bounded on over the graveled walk toward her mother, who was eagerly waiting for her.  In an instant parent and child were weeping in each other’s arms.

“My Kate, my darling Kate, are you indeed here?” said Mrs. Wilmot.

Kate’s only answer was a still more passionate embrace.  Then recollecting herself, she took her husband’s hand and presented him to her mother, saying, “Mother, I could not bring you Richard, but I have brought you another son.  Will you not give him room in your heart?”

Mrs. Wilmot had never seen Mr. Miller before, but she was prepared to like him, not only because he was her daughter’s choice, but because he had been the devoted friend of her son; consequently she greeted him with a most kind and affectionate welcome.

During all this time Fanny was leaning against one of the pillars of the piazza, but her thoughts were far away.  She was thinking of her distant Kentucky home, and a half feeling of homesickness crept over her, as she thought how joyfully she would be greeted there, should she ever return.  Her reverie was of short duration, for Kate approached, and leading her to her mother, simply said, “Mother, this is Fanny.”