_REALISATION_
"The 'Falcon' has arrived at Tilbury," said Winifred, as she looked at
the shipping news, which had interested her since Jack's departure. "I
wonder if we shall see Captain Seagrave this time."
"And whether he will bring any nice presents from Jack, eh, Win?" said
her father, laughing.
She little knew who had arrived on board the "Falcon," or her joy would
have been unbounded.
"You will come with me to The Downs?" said Jack, as he sat in the
smoking lounge of the Savoy Hotel, with his friend, Barry Tuxford.
"You must go alone, she will not like a stranger to be present at your
meeting."
"You are not a stranger."
"To her I am."
"Not at all, I am sure she already regards you as a friend; so does Sir
Lester," said Jack. He knew, however, that it would be better to do as
Barry wished. Jack's feelings, as he once again found himself in the
Brighton train, can better be imagined than described. Everything was
familiar, and there seemed to be no change in the surroundings. He knew
the time the train left London Bridge without looking at the guide, and
he found there had been no alteration during the years he had been away.
His whole being responded to the sights and sounds that had been so
familiar. He eagerly noted every spot of interest as the train sped on
its way and brought him nearer to his destination and Winifred. He was
coming home as a successful man, and the thought was pleasant. Had he
returned a failure he knew his reception would have been none the less
hearty, but he would have felt very different. Success begets
confidence, and Jack was brimful of it.
At last, Brighton, the dear old place, the scene of so many memories of
the past.
He inhaled the breeze with satisfaction, and walked on to the Marine
Parade to look at the busy scene. He did not linger long, but went round
to his former rooms in the Old Steyne, and found there had been no
change there. His welcome assured him of the hearty reception he would
get at Sir Lester's.
He took a victoria, and drove to within a couple of miles of The Downs,
where he alighted and proceeded on foot.
How beautiful the country looked, so fresh and green, enchanting after
the barren lands he had seen for so long. He walked slowly, as though
loath to reach happiness too soon. Rounding a turn in the road he came
in sight of Sir Lester's house, and his heart beat fast. He halted and
feasted his eyes on the much loved spot, that had never been absent from
his memory, no matter where his lot might be cast.
As he approached the entrance to the drive he saw the flutter of a white
dress on the terrace--it was Winifred. He felt inclined to rush forward
and shout wildly, his exultation was so great that it must break bounds.
As he walked up the drive Winifred saw him, and turning to her father
said--
"There is someone coming, I wonder who it can be."
Then the familiar figure, the well known walk made her heart beat
furiously with a great joy.
"Father, father, it's Jack!" she exclaimed.
"Nonsense, Win, how can it be Jack?"
"It is. I am sure it is. Look, look."