* * * * * *
"Children," said Agatha, "He knocks at your hearts to-night. He wants you to let Him in, that He may bless you and dwell with you all this coming year. You will not keep Him waiting, you will not hold the door fast! Surely you will say too, 'Saviour, come in, come in.'"
So the moonlight city faded away, the little guests bade their entertainers good-night, and each one went home with new thoughts, and some of them with new hopes for the New Year.
[CHAPTER XXI.]
UNDER THE STARS.
AUNT RUTH had been out all the evening, and when she came home the children were walking up and down the gravel path, waiting for her.
The darkness had fallen, and the young moon had set, so that there was nothing now but the blue vault of heaven studded with twinkling, sparkling stars.
"I love starlight," said Jean, pressing close to her side.
"Yes; the stars seem to bring one so near to God!"
"Where have you been Auntie?" asked Tom.