The Brick came climbing up on Tom’s knees and bade him tell a story; but even Laura saw that something was wrong, and hushed the child, and said she and Flossy would sing one of their carols. And they sang it, and were praised; and they sang another, and were praised. But then it was quite dark, and nobody had any heart to say one word.
“Where is papa?” said the Brick.
“Where indeed?” everybody wanted to say, and no one did.
But then the door-bell rang, and Chloe brought in a note.
“He’s waiting for an answer, mum.”
And Tom lighted the gas. It popped up so bright that little Flossy said,—
“The people that sat in darkness saw a great light—”
This was just as Mrs. Molyneux tore open the note. For the instant she could not speak. She handed it to the three.
“Found
“Home in half an hour!
“All right! thank God!
T. M.”