Father ! '' she cried , while I stood , rooted to the ground in my amazement . The sleeper stirred and opened two large , exceedingly brilliant hazel eyes . For a moment he gazed rather blankly at the brown-curled young lady who was embracing him . Then a most delightful smile broke over his face ; he sprang up and caught her to his heart . `` Sara -- Sara -- my little Sara ! To think did n't know you at first glance ! But you are almost a woman . And when I saw you last you were just a little girl of eight . My own little Sara ! '' `` Father -- father -- sometimes I 've wondered if you were ever coming back to me , '' I heard the Story Girl say , as I turned and scuttled up the Walk , realizing that I was not wanted there just then and would be little missed . Various emotions and speculations possessed my mind in my retreat ; but chiefly did I feel a sense of triumph in being the bearer of exciting news . `` Aunt Janet , Uncle Blair is here , '' I announced breathlessly at the kitchen door . Aunt Janet , who was kneading her bread , turned round and lifted floury hands . Felicity and Cecily , who were just entering the kitchen , rosy from slumber , stopped still and stared at me . `` Uncle who ? '' exclaimed Aunt Janet . `` Uncle Blair -- the Story Girl 's father , you know . He 's here . '' `` WHERE ? ''
`` Down XXXXX the orchard .
For To as at from if in of over while