“Just what I most wanted,” and Dr. Barrows smiled at Walter. “I can’t tell you how much I thank you; I had come home rather discouraged.”
“Please tell me what it is,” begged his granddaughter.
“Only a piece of paper, Caro,” said Walter.
“One that will help the seminary out of its difficulties,” added the president.
“Do you mean money? That isn’t interesting,” laughed Caro. “I’ll tell you what I think,” she continued, shaking her finger at Walter, “I think you are a candle, a big one! Hasn’t he brought us a great lot of cheer, grandpa?”
“He has indeed, my darling.”
The young man’s face flushed. “Whatever I have done has brought me the most pleasure. I seem now not to mind as I did at first having to give everything up. I can even hear Charlie talk about the university, without thinking of my spoiled plans. I only want now to get what I can out of the present.” Then after a moment’s silence, he said with a smile, “I am not afraid of the dark any more.”
“Did you try a candle?” Caro asked.
“Yes;” Walter answered, and Dr. Barrows understood. On that young life with its dark shadow, the light of love had shone, and a little candle had been the beginning of it.
So the Christmas party came to an end, and the guests went happily home through the snow.