And here—here was a little bijou of a piano, apparently for her very own!
Lucia hung her head to hide the tears of contrition which filled her eyes. Was this another of those things which "her Father" knew and provided for? And if He could so lovingly care for even this, would He not care for all that concerned her?
So, while the men made their preparations to carry in the little instrument, Lucia was sending up a joyful thanksgiving for the heavenly love which had given her so great a pleasure through her mother's earthly love.
Where the piano was to stand was of course the next thing, and everybody ran back to the little drawing room to see what would be the best place before the men got to the door.
Lucia found that there was a niche which seemed to ask to be filled, so that there was not a moment's doubt as to where the new treasure was to go.
"I shall be able to get on with my music now," remarked Barbara; "I was afraid Miss Lewis would think I had forgotten it all."
Then in came the men, and the boys felt they must help to place it just right, and ran imminent risk of their fingers and toes in doing it.
"Who's it from?" asked Ivor. "Is it yours, Lucia?"
"Mine, from mother," answered Lucia.
"I thought you was cryin'," said Queenie, edging up close to her; "I saw you cryin', I do b'lieve?"