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Hardly had they reached the street, when they were surrounded by

a swarm of friends, who were expecting them, and who conducted

them in triumph to their house. Their female acquaintances

congratulated them, sympathised with them, and overwhelmed them

with enquiries. Learning that Lucy was to depart on the following

morning, they broke forth in exclamations of regret and

disappointment. The men disputed with each other the privilege of

offering their services; each wished to remain for the night to

guard their cottage, which reminds us of a proverb; "_If you

would have people willing to confer favours on you, be sure not

to need them._" This warmth of reception served a little to

withdraw Lucy from the painful recollections which crowded upon

her mind, at the sight of her loved home.