The first day that Julie Malcolm felt equal to the exertion was spent at
the house of her new friend, and then it was that for the first time
since her childhood, Harry Colman beheld his niece. So strongly
impressed upon his mind was the recollection of her early fondness for
him, and the soothing influence which her winning, affectionate ways had
possessed over his spirit, that had he now obeyed the voice of impulse
he would fain have clasped Julie once more to his heart; for though he
now looked upon a beautiful and graceful maiden of eighteen, he could
scarcely view her in any other light than as the darling child whose
caresses had so often comforted him when greeted by every other voice
with coldness. Yet recalling the fact that their relationship could not
be breathed to her by himself, he was obliged to meet her with the
reserve of a perfect stranger. But all formality between them soon
vanished, and an hour after their introduction found them conversing
together with the ease of old acquaintanceship. Nor had Julie forgotten,
in her own frank earnest manner, to thank him again and again for the
services his family had rendered her father and herself—while her soft
dark eyes filled with tears as she spoke of the debt which by gratitude
only she could repay. Harry Colman longed to tell her that _he_ was the
debtor—and that by his wife’s attention to her, Julie had but been
rewarded for the love she had accorded him when all other hearts were
steeled against him.
Mrs. Colman saw with delight her husband’s increasing predeliction for
his niece—for by renewing his former affection for Julie, she hoped to
make the young girl at some future day, the instrument of reconciliation
between the estranged brothers.
The day of Julie’s visit to the Colmans was a happy one to all parties.
Even little Effie Colman and her brother Willie, though at first rather
shy of the lady, who, as they were told, was to initiate them into the
mysteries of the primer, had become very fond of her, and were
exceedingly loath to let her go when the time appointed for her return
home arrived. Then, with her arms entwined about Julie’s neck, little
Effie besought her to say when she was coming to them daily—and the
following week was accordingly named for the commencement of her career
as preceptress to the children.