When her grandfather read his text Caro looked up at Walter and smiled; it seemed meant for them she thought.
“To give light to them that sit in darkness.”
It is to be doubted if the president ever preached a better sermon, and yet it was only a simple little talk that the children could understand, about the Light-bringer whose love could penetrate the darkest clouds of sin or sorrow, and whose followers must in their turn become light-bearers.
Caro listened, looking up at the Good Shepherd, who again seemed to smile on her. But after they had sung, “It came upon the midnight clear”—and the benediction had been pronounced, the merry side of Christmas became uppermost. There was Charlie exclaiming, “Walter old fellow I am so glad to see you!” and shaking hands warmly, and Alice and Mrs. Holland with quieter greetings. Marjorie and Tom of course joined Caro, and the president came down and added one more to the group around Walter.
At the door Miss Elizabeth waited, unable to escape altogether the friendly greetings, trying not to be impatient, while near her stood Thompson with a beaming face. This was something like living he thought.
There is something about Christmas eve which makes it different from all other evenings. There is a thrill of expectancy in the air that no one can quite escape, even though his head is grey. Caro and Marjorie skipped down the stone walk in the frosty air, hand in hand, brimful of happiness; Charlie and Alice were beside Walter, and Dr. Barrows who walked with Miss Elizabeth thought his little granddaughter was right when she said this was going to be the best Christmas that ever happened.
“Remember,” said Walter, as they were separating, “that I depend on you to-morrow to make my party a success. It is to be as much like old times as possible.”
“We’ll be on hand and do our best,” said Charlie. “Poor fellow! what a change from four years ago,” he added to his sister.
“And yet I can’t quite pity him. It must be because he is so brave,” Alice answered.
“And Bess, you will wear your prettiest gown, won’t you?” Walter had said coaxingly.