"'So the prejudice is just the same,' I thought sadly, as I footed it to my home.
"My heart grew heavy as I thought of the last time I had struggled along that road in the dark stormy night; then I pushed the thought from me and dwelt on the future. Now that I had returned, prosperous and happy, I could persuade them.
"I was changed from youth to manhood,—they would see what the Gospel had done for me.
"At last the home was reached. I entered the gate. As I walked through the garden, which was lightly frosted with snow, I looked from right to left, upon the unchanged scenes. Years seemed like days, and it seemed as though I were a boy again, returning from school for the happy Yule-tide greetings. My heart with a bound forgave the last ten years, and I longed to grasp my father's hand and tell him so. And my dear mother? She must be aged now, but still the same sweet, tender heart!
"With trembling hands I knocked on the door, that had been closed to me, all these years.
"My eldest sister opened it. Two little girls clung to her skirts. She looked many years older, and lines of care furrowed her face.
"She didn't know me.
"'Well, sir?' she asked quietly.
"'Is Mr. or Mrs. Madson at home?' I asked controlling myself with effort.
"'Both dead, sir,' she answered shortly.