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Page 85
Then they were off to Havre to take a French steamship home. Mr. Sumner
had decided to return with them, and a little later in the fall to go
back to Florence to settle all things there,--to give up his Italian
home and studio. So there was nothing but joy in the setting forth.
* * * * *
"How can we wait a whole week!" exclaimed Bettina, as the two sisters
were again unpacking the steamer trunks in their stateroom. "How long
one little week seems when it comes at the end of a year, and lies
between us and home!"
Barbara's thought flew back to the like scene on the _Kaiser Wilhelm_ a
year ago, when her mind had been busy with her father's parting words,
and her eyes were very dark with feeling as she spoke:--
"Have you thought, Betty, how much we are taking back?--how much more
than papa thought or we expected even in our wildest dreams? All this
intimate knowledge of Florence, Rome, and Venice! All these memories of
Italy,--and her art and history!"
Then after a moment she continued with changed voice: "And our
friendship with Howard!--and the great gift he gave by which we have
been able to get all these beautiful things we are taking home to the
dear ones, and by which life is so changed for them and us!--and--"
"Barbara!" softly called Mr. Sumner's voice from the corridor.
"_And_," repeated Bettina, archly, with a most mischievous look as her
sister hastened from the room to answer the summons.
At last the morning came when the steamship entered New York harbor; and
the evening followed which saw the travellers again in their
homes,--which restored Barbara and Bettina to father, mother, brothers,
and sisters. There was no end of joy and smiles and happy talk.
After a little time Robert Sumner came, and Dr. Burnett, taking him by
both hands, looked through moist eyes into the face he loved, and had
so long missed, saying:--
"And so you have come home to stay,--Robert,--my boy!"
"Yes," in a glad, ringing voice,--withdrawing one hand from the doctor's
and putting it into Mrs. Burnett's eager clasp--"yes, Barbara and Malcom
have brought me home. Malcom showed me it was my duty to come, and
Barbara has made it a delight."
Epilogue.
Three Years After.
In one of New England's fairest villas, only a little way from the spot
where we first found her, lives Barbara to-day. For more than two years
she has been the wife of Robert Sumner. The faces of both tell of happy
years, which have been bounteous in blessing. A new expression glows in
Robert Sumner's eyes; the hint of a life whose energy is life-giving.
All his powers are on the alert. His name bids fair to become known far
and wide in his native land as a force for good in art, literature,
philanthropy, and public service. And in everything Barbara holds equal
pace with him. Whatever he undertakes, he goes to her young, fresh
enthusiasm to be strengthened for the endeavor; he measures his own
judgment against her wise, individual ways of thinking, and gains new
trust in himself from her abiding confidence.
In the library of their home, surrounded by countless rare souvenirs of
Italy, hangs a portrait of Howard Sinclair given to Barbara by his aged
grandmother, who now rests beside her darling boy in beautiful Mount
Auburn.
Dr. Burnett's low, rambling house has given place to a more stately one;
but it stands behind the same tall trees, amidst the same wide, green
spaces. And here is Bettina,--the same Betty,--broadened and enriched by
the intervening years of gracious living; still almost hand in hand with
her sister Barbara. Together they study and enjoy and sympathize; and
together they are striving to bless as many lives as possible by a wise
use of Howard's gift to Barbara.
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