I hardly knew what to say, except that we were all so glad at home to think of having Aunt Milly back in England again, and how we all hoped she would have many happy years.
"You must be my helper, Mildred. My desire is that we may together find a welcome, not only in rich homes, but in those of the poor whom I have neglected too long."
"I have been used to such work, aunt," I said. "As papa is a clergyman, he has found us plenty of visiting; so I will either be your companion or messenger."
Then Aunt Milly told me of plans she had formed for the good of those around her, and of her anxiety to consult my father, whose experience was so much greater than her own.
"I wanted him to come here at once; but that cannot be, it seems. I do hope that Christmas will bring not only him, but your mother and sisters to Denesfield. With the whole family gathered round my fireside, Mildred, I should feel as though I belonged to somebody."
My father was always busy amongst his people at Christmas time, contriving comforts for the old, and pleasures for the young; yet all the while striving to link the present with that far past, when Jesus, the long-promised Messiah, was first revealed in the flesh—expected as a king, given as a helpless babe, and cradled in a manger in Bethlehem.
I told my aunt that I doubted whether my father could be spared. Welland people would hardly think it could be a merry Christmas, scarcely a happy one, if the vicar were away; though to me the prospect of seeing all the members of our dear family circle collected together at such a season in my aunt's beautiful home was the most delightful thing possible.
It was only the beginning of October when I arrived at Denesfield, so there was plenty of time to plan, hope, and prepare. More voices to sound in those noble rooms, more feet to awaken the echoes in the long corridors, more happy faces round hearth and table—these were, to my mind, the only things needed to complete the charms of Denesfield.
When I expressed my doubts as to whether papa could come at Christmas, Aunt Milly would not hear me.
"They must come, Mildred," was her answer. "They must teach me how to work and use my talents for God's glory. I have been so long out of the way, and I want a guide. Do you suppose your father's people would keep him away? Why, he has spent the best years of his life in teaching them to be unselfish. Nonsense, child! His precepts and example cannot have been thrown away."