"Yes," she answered, speaking slowly, as she looked toward one of them; "the cross, once a symbol of ignominy; but now become, like the flaming cross on the mountains, a symbol of light."
"Miss Bright," said John Clayton, from the doorway, "you are asked for."
As she entered the room, Patrick Murphy stepped forward. He raised his hand for attention. After several gibes from the men, and witty retorts on his part, the company quieted down again.
"Ladies an' gintlemin," he said, flourishing his empty pipe, as he made an elaborate gesture, "it's mesilf as feels as we have wid us a foine Christian lady. Ez Oi watched the picters av the Holy Mither this avenin', Oi sez ter mesilf, sez Oi, our teacher (the saints bliss her!) is as lovin' ter the children av this school, as is the blissid Virgin ter the child in thim picters. Oi sez ter mesilf, this lady is as good a Catholic as Oi wish ter see. An' she learns 'em all ter git on. Oi'll sind ivery child o' mine ter day school an' Bible school. Oi hope yez'll all do the same."
Mrs. Murphy's face was a suppressed thunder-storm; but Patrick was oblivious of this as he talked on.
"This was a godless region. Miss Bright come like a angel ter tell us av our sins. Oi belave the Lord sint her.
"See what she done fur us! Her nate little talk ter us, the picters an' her prisints. All who wish ter thank our koind frind, join wid me in three cheers fur Miss Bright!"
Then cheer on cheer rose from the people.
As Patrick took his seat, John Clayton rose.
"Now," said he, "three cheers for our good friend, Mrs. Carmichael, who made the Christmas cookies."