The Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX. No. 1006, April 8, 1899

Vol. XX.—No. 1006.]
APRIL 8, 1899.
By JESSIE MANSERGH (Mrs. G. de Horne Vaizey), Author of “Sisters Three,” etc.
AT THE CROSS ROADS.
All rights reserved. ]
Arthur kept his word, and tried manfully not to let his own disappointment interfere with the enjoyment of Christmas Day. The party at the vicarage was smaller than usual, for Rob and Oswald had both gone home for the festive season, and he knew well that the knowledge that “Arthur was coming” had seemed the best guarantee of a merry day to those who were left behind. Peggy too—poor little Peg, with her bandaged hands and tiny white face—it would never do to grieve her by being depressed and gloomy!
“Begone, dull care!” cried Arthur to himself then, when he awoke on Christmas morning, and promptly wrapping himself in his dressing-gown, he sallied out on to the landing, where he burst into the strains of “Christians, awake!” with such vigorous brush-and-comb accompaniment on the panels of the doors as startled the household out of their dreams.
“Miserable boy! I was having such a lovely nap! I’ll never forgive you!” cried Mrs. Asplin’s voice in sleepy wrath.
“Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!” shouted the girls, and Peggy’s clear pipe joined in last of all. “And many of them! Come in! Come in! I was lying awake and longing to see you!”

Arthur put his ruffled head round the door and beamed at the little figure in the bed, as if he had never known a trouble in his life.