He longed much, he wrote, to return home, that he might once more see his father and his loved ones; but Harry had counselled him to remain where he was, believing that was his present duty, and he had thought it best to follow his advice. He thanked Austin much for all the brotherly love he had ever shown to him, and for the words of warning he had again and again spoken to him. There was also a kind message to Prissy; and his warm love to all, not forgetting the M'Ivors, who had been true friends to him.
There were tears of joy not a few shed during the reading of the letter; and together the three knelt at the throne of grace and returned thanks to God for the loved one who had been dead and was alive again, lost and was found.
"And now," said the father, "lead me to the drawing-room, that we may share the children's mirth. I cannot see their faces, nor the lights of the Christmas tree, but a bright light has to-night been shed on my heart by the Prince of Peace himself, which lightens and indeed dispels all darkness."
As they entered, the children ran to meet them, and led them in triumph to the tree in the centre of the room. It was indeed a lovely one, ablaze with lights and glittering ornaments, its branches covered as if with hoar frost, and laden with blight-coloured fruits and tastefully-arranged presents.
Little Ruth, in a pale blue dress, was seated on Harry's shoulder—the very queen of the company.
Never, surely, had a Christmas tree seemed more beautiful, never did Christmas carols sound more sweetly than they did that night, for there was true Christmas joy in the hearts of the singers and listeners.
"Ah, it has been so charming," was the declaration of Gabrielle M'Ivor; whilst Austin Warner, and more than he, said in their hearts that it was to Gabrielle's deft fingers and artistic taste that the tree owed much of its beauty; and that her silvery laugh and loving words had contributed much to the pleasure of the evening.
When the last hymn was sung—
"Hark, the herald angels sing,
'Glory to the new-born King;
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!'"
And the last good-nights exchanged, Priscilla lingered for a moment in the drawing-room, holding Ruth by the hand, whilst Claude and Archie stood beside her. Harry Lascelles came forward to say good-night, kissing his little god-daughter as he did so; then said in a voice heard only by Priscilla, "Thank God, dear Sissy, that you have a work to do that angels might envy, and that you are doing it."