iss Terry was leaning on the mantel-shelf looking into the fire, when the bell pealed furiously. She started and turned pale.
"Lord 'a' mercy!" ejaculated Norah, who was still admiring the effect of the window-decoration. "What's that? Who can be calling here to-night, making such a noise?"
"Go to the door, Norah," said Miss Terry with a strange note in her voice. "It may be some one to see me. It is not too late."
"Yes'm," said Norah, obedient but bewildered.
Presently the library door opened and a figure strode in; a tall, broad-shouldered man in a fur overcoat. For a moment he stood just inside the door, hesitating. Miss Terry took two steps forward from the fire-place.
"Tom!" she said faintly. "You came,—after all!"
"After all, Angelina," he said. "Yes, because I saw that," he waved his hand toward the window. "That gave me courage to come in. It is our Christmas Angel. I remember all about it. Does it mean anything, Angelina?"
Miss Terry held out a moment longer. Then she faltered forward. "O Tom!" she sobbed, as she felt his brotherly, strong arms about her. "O Tom! And so he has brought you back to me, and me to you!"
"He? Angelina girl, who?" He smoothed her silver hair with rough, kind fingers.