The governess, with a little girl on either side and Rupert hurrying on ahead, started for the farm about three o'clock. The wind was so keen that they were obliged to walk fast in order to keep themselves warm.
"I wish you were going to spend Christmas with us, Miss Long, but I suppose you would rather be with your own people," Lilian remarked. "Yes, of course," she went on as the governess assented, "but you'll think of us all on Christmas Day, won't you? We'll be sure to think of you."
"Indeed, I shall think of you," Miss Long responded earnestly. "I shall want you to write and tell me all about the entertainment on Christmas Eve, and you must please remember to say who gets the top doll from the Christmas tree."
"Oh, yes! Mother was saying to father yesterday how good it had been of you to take so much trouble and work so hard for the Christmas tree, when you won't have any enjoyment from it," said Nellie.
"But I have had a lot of enjoyment in making the things," the governess declared. "And I shall tell my little sisters and brothers of your plans for Christmas, and they will be so interested."
"How shall you spend Christmas, Miss Long?" inquired Rupert, waiting to allow the others to come up to him.
"Very quietly, I expect—but very happily, I have little doubt. I shall not be going to any parties or entertainments, I daresay; but, you know, the joy of Christmas doesn't depend upon festivities and gaieties, but upon whether or not the angels' message of peace and goodwill finds an echo in our hearts. We shall all of us spend a happy Christmas, if we try to make those around us happy for Jesus' sake."
The children knew all about Miss Long's home, for she had often talked to them about it. She had told them it was situated in a thickly populated London suburb; but they understood it was the dearest spot in the world in her sight, for it held a wealth of love within its narrow limits not to be bought with gold.
Arrived at Westhill, Miss Long and the two little girls went into the house to see Mrs. Wills; whilst Rupert, having been informed that Bob was in the yard, joined him there.
Bob had lately become the proud possessor of a young ferret, a pretty, pink-eyed creature as white as snow, which he was taking great pains to tame. He showed the little animal to Rupert, who looked and admired, but was timid about touching it.