He was sleeping easily , lightly , and wholesomely . He had a pointed brown beard and thick wavy brown hair . His cheeks were a dusky red and the lashes of his closed eyes were as long and dark and silken as a girl 's . He wore a light gray suit , and on the slender white hand that hung down over the hammock 's edge was a spark of diamond fire . It seemed to me that I knew his face , although assuredly I had never seen him before . While I groped among vague speculations the Story Girl gave a queer , choked little cry . The next moment she had sprung over the intervening space , dropped on her knees by the hammock , and flung her arms about the man 's neck . `` Father ! 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 XXXXX the kitchen door .
For While although among at by in of over to