Yet  they  had  all  grown  much  more  than  four  years
older  in  feeling  since  they  parted;  and  the  dear,  patient
mother's  head  had  visibly  whitened  by  her  long  and
sometimes  agonizing  suspense  regarding  the  children  of
her  love.  Dr.  Morven,  who  was  now  a  physician  of  large
practice,  beloved  and  respected  by  the  whole  community,
had  gone  to  live  with  Mrs.  Hale ;  and  little  Jessie,  as
they  used  to  call  her,  with  her  head,  heart,  and  hands
full  of  her  husband,  two  beautiful  children,  and  domestic
matters  generally,  seemed  perfectly  happy  and  contented
with  her  surroundings.
