The fourth day of his visit was a Sunday, and, to Archie’s joy, brave Bill Hickson and his wife came up from the city to spend the day.  What a jolly time they had, all day long!  They went to church in the morning, where they saw all the people, it seemed, whom they hadn’t seen before, and in the afternoon there were many callers at the little house.  The evening was spent quietly by the happy four, talking of old times and plans for the future.  The town authorities were anxious to give Bill Hickson a reception while he was in town, but the bashful hero declined the honour, and returned with his wife to New York by the midnight train.

During the two succeeding days Archie talked a great deal with his mother, and finally gained her consent to come to New York to live in a year’s time.  Mrs. Dunn had never really understood that Archie had so good a position, but now that she realised what a splendid beginning he had made, she was very willing to come and keep house for him.  This question settled, everything seemed wholly delightful in the cosy home, and Archie settled down to enjoy the two remaining days of his visit in quiet rest.  He had already much improved during his stay, and was sure of going back to the city feeling much better than for a long time past, and this made Mrs. Dunn very happy.

But Archie didn’t stay his week out at home.  On the fifth night he attended a reception in his honour at one of the neighbours’ houses, and he was just in the midst of a description of Tokio when a messenger boy entered with a telegram for him.  He opened it at once, and read it aloud to the company: 

“Dear Archie,” it said, “return as soon as possible.  I sail for Europe on Saturday’s steamer to remain six months, and wish you to accompany me.”  It was signed by Mr. Depaw, and there was great applause from the crowd when he finished reading it.  But Archie’s face was a study.  He wasn’t sure whether he wanted to go to Europe or not, but of course there was no question about what he should do.  He at once telegraphed a reply, saying that he would reach the city to-morrow at noon, leaving home on the early morning train.

Of course the reception soon broke up, and Archie walked quietly home with his mother, who was saddened at the prospect of losing him so soon again.  She soon brightened, however, and began to plan things for him to do abroad, and soon she entered into the preparation for his departure with all her heart.  But Archie was not so soon made glad, and he didn’t rest until he made his mother promise to accompany him to the city on the morrow to spend the two days previous to his departure in helping him get ready.  Mrs. Dunn wasn’t anxious to make the trip, but for Archie’s sake she consented.