Then he, Uncle Luke, passed through the affectionate crowd that seemed
as if it would eat him with joy. I saw him go to his father and mother,
put an arm about each and pass within the little room, and there after
a moment I followed them.
They were all three standing on the hearthrug when I came in, and Uncle
Luke had one arm about his mother and the other thrown across his
father's neck.
"So this is little Bawn," he said, letting them go, and coming forward
to meet me. "So this is little Bawn."
I should have known his blue eyes and smile anywhere, I thought,
although his hair was as if dust had been sprinkled over it, and there
were deep lines in the face I remembered as being very merry. I had a
passing wonder that in this moment he remembered my existence or
recognized me, for Lord and Lady St. Leger were still dumb or
inarticulate with joy, and could not have spoken of me.
"Yes, I am Bawn," I said, lifting my face to kiss him. "I am so glad you
have come home, Uncle Luke."
"I should have come long ago," he said. "Yet, thank God, I come in time.
I have messages for you, little Bawn, to be delivered later."
So he, he of all people, was Anthony's messenger!
He put his arm about me and we returned to the old couple by the fire.
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