PEACE AND GOODWILL.
Lucy Jane Bull and her sisters were quite old enough to understand a good deal of grown-up conversation when they overheard it. Thus, when a friend of Mrs. Bull’s observed during an afternoon call that she believed that “officers’ wives were very dressy,” the young ladies were at once resolved to keep a sharp look-out for the Captain’s wife’s bonnet in church on Christmas Day.
The Bulls had just taken their seats when the Captain’s wife came in. They really would have hid their faces, and looked at the bonnet afterwards, but for the startling sight that met the gaze of the congregation. The old grandfather walked into church abreast of the Captain.
“They’ve met in the porch,” whispered Mr. Bull under the shelter of his hat.
“They can’t quarrel publicly in a place of worship,” said Mrs. Bull, turning pale.
“She’s gone into his seat,” cried Lucy Jane in a shrill whisper.
“And the children after her,” added the other sister, incautiously aloud.
There was now no doubt about the matter. The old man in his blue cloak stood for a few moments, politely disputing the question of precedence with his handsome son-in-law. Then the Captain bowed and passed in, and the old man followed him.
By the time that the service was ended everybody knew of the happy peacemaking, and was glad. One old friend after another came up with blessings and good wishes. This was a proper Christmas, indeed, they said. There was a general rejoicing.
But only the grandfather and his children knew that it was hatched from “The Peace-Egg.”