"How lovely it is to-night!" said Prissy. "And the children are so happy at the prospect of the Christmas tree. But oh, Austin, if our father could only see it; and if Lewis were with us, or if we knew where he was."
Her head drooped as she spoke, and the tears that filled her eyes dimmed the beauties of the outside world.
Her brother put his arm lovingly round her, and said in answer to her last words, "God knows, dear Prissy, and his arm is round our erring brother wherever he is; and, sister, somehow I can't despair of Lewis. I know how far wrong he was led by evil companions; but Lewis had many noble traits of character. His affection for his home was deep, his love to our father intense, and he cherished the memory of our mother fondly."
"But, Austin," interrupted Prissy, "if that were all so, how came he to do what he knew would well-nigh break his father's heart, and would have grieved so deeply our mother? How can you reconcile these things?"
"It is difficult, no doubt, to do so," replied Austin. "Lewis, by nature, was easily led; and then, Prissy, he had not learned to lean in his weakness on an Almighty strong arm, and so became a prey to sharpers. But may we not believe that it was deep shame for the disgrace he had brought on himself, and dread of seeing his father's grief at it, that made him fly from home?"
"It may be so," replied Prissy. "There were other causes which helped to drive him into evil companionship."
"Ah, well," said Austin, "if it were so, Prissy, you have nobly, as far as possible, made up for your past neglect in that respect: 'The Lord hath restored to you the years that the cankerworm hath eaten.' But we must not linger here, pleasant as it is. Let us go first to our father and see if he is willing to come to the drawing-room."
As together they entered the study, and the light of the lamp fell on his sister's face and figure, Austin was struck with her beauty as he had never been before. Her rich brown hair was brushed slightly back, displaying her finely-formed brow. Her deep, thoughtful gray eyes were turned lovingly towards her father; and her brother observed the womanly dignity of her whole bearing, which the discipline of the last few months had greatly enhanced and developed. Her dress, of some soft crimson stuff, fell in graceful folds round her, contrasting with the whiteness of her neck and arms, and adding beauty to the whole of her appearance. No wonder her brother thought her fair to look on.
Dr. Warner willingly agreed to go to the drawing-room, saying, "What although I cannot see the beauties of the tree, I can at least—thank God!—hear the voices of my children and friends. Then I have my borrowed eyes always beside me, you know," and as he spoke he laid his hand on Prissy's arm. "Yes, my boy," he said turning to Austin, "one of the greatest of my many mercies is the possession of such a loving daughter as Priscilla. She has indeed shown me what noble, true work can be done by 'only a girl.'"
"I knew her real worth long ago, father," said Austin, "and was sure the day would come when you also would appreciate it. But who comes here?" he added, as the study-door was opened, and the vicar entered, followed by a young man who came forward with an outstretched hand.