Page:Traits and Trials.pdf/109

had not the heart to give it to the little emaciated being whose head rested on his arm, while he held the small and feverish hand in his. During the early part of the journey—the excitement of the movement, and the joy of returning home, put Julia in a flutter of spirits that made her more that ready, eager, to talk. Her father learnt quite enough during the conversation to know why Julia did not wish to hear how her new mamma might be. Mr. Dalton listened to the sweet low voice that so artlessly confided all its small store of hopes and regrets, with a pang of bitter self-reproach. He blamed himself more than he blamed his wife, and soon, when Julia, exhausted by the over excitement, became silent, and content to look up in his face, and clasp his hand as if desirious of assuring herself that she really was with her father and returning home, then he had ample leisure for regret. He scarcely observed the road, when Julia started up with a shriek of delight, and, exclaiming, "I see them, I see them," pointed out to his attention a clump of