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BEFORE venturing into his house to surprise his family, the soldier peeps through the window to take a glance at his wife and children. How gladly he will be welcomed! for it is many weeks since any letters from the absent one have reached the household, and distressing fears for his safety have been mingled with hopes and prayers. The youngest of the flock has learned to read since her father went away, and intends to astonish him with her new accomplishment; the eldest boy has a plot of ground to show which has been cultivated by himself; and all the rest have prepared some pleasant surprise.