  1. The telegram came soon after breakfast. Father was coming home that very day. We were so delighted that we sang and danced and clapped our hands, just like the darkies. 2. Mother was very busy. "You must all come and help me," she said. "The house must be made beautiful for father's return." 3. May and I worked with mother, but the day passed very slowly. Father's train was to arrive at six o'clock. By half-past five we were all at the station waiting for him. 4. At last the train steamed in, and out jumped father. Oh, how we hugged and kissed him! Father was well, and he looked very brown. 5. I sat next to him in the cab. He told us that his ship had only reached Liverpool that morning. He had taken the first train for home, because he wished to see us so much. 6. After tea he opened one of his boxes. "I have brought each of you a present," he said. "Sit down, and I will show you some pretty things." 7. Mother's present was a dress from India. It had gold and beetles' wings on it. They were a lovely shiny green, just like jewels. 8. My present was a necklace of beautiful blue stones. May's was a dolly, dressed just like an Indian lady. Tom's was a kite from Japan. It was shaped just like a dragon. Of course, we were all delighted with our gifts. 9. Then father told us many things about his travels. "I have been right round the world," he said. "I sailed to the East, and I went on and on until I returned to the place from which I set out." "I know," cried Tom. "I have followed you all round the world on the globe." 10. May was sitting on father's knee. "Dad," she said, "I suppose you are the very first man who has ever been right round the world." "Of course he is," said Tom. 11. Father laughed. "No, my dear," he replied; "thousands of men had been round the world before I was born." 12. "I'm so sorry," said May. "I did so want to tell the girls at school that my father was the very first man who ever went round the world." |
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