Surely it could not be smoke from the top of the new chimney? Yes; a
thin, clear blue column of smoke was curling briskly up into the air,
and then floating off in a banner over the hillside. Somebody was there,
that was certain; and the first fire had been lighted on the
hearthstone. There was a sharp pang in Stephen's heart, and he cast down
his eyes for a moment, but then he looked up to the sky above him with a
smile; while Tim set up a loud shout, and urged the donkey to a canter.
'It's Martha!' he cried; 'I saw her gown peeping round the corner of the
wall. I'll lay a wager it's her print gown. Come thy ways; we'll make
sure afore we pass.'
It was Martha waiting for them at the old wicket, and Bess was just
within the doorway. They were come so far to meet the travellers, and
had even prepared tea for them in the new kitchen, having cleared away
some of the bricks and mortar, and raised benches with the pieces of
planks left about. Tea was just ready for Stephen's refreshment, and he
felt that he was in the greatest need of it; so they sat down to it as
soon as Martha had laid out the provisions, among which was a cake sent
by Miss Anne.
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