ours just before the blessed Christmas broke. Alison opened the door
very softly, and, going into the kitchen, took down her writing
portfolio from a little shelf where she generally kept it, and wrote a
short letter to Jim.

"Dear Jim: I have made up my mind, and in this letter you will get your
final answer. I will not marry anybody until I am cleared of this
trouble about the five-pound note; and whether I am cleared or not, I
shall never marry you, _for I don't love you_. I found out to-night it
was all a mistake, and what I thought was love was not. I don't love
you, Jim, and I never wish to see you again. Please don't come to
dinner to-morrow, and please don't ever try to see me. This is final.
I don't love you; that is your answer.

"ALISON REED."

Having signed the letter in a very firm hand, Alison put it into an
envelope, addressed and stamped it. She then went out and dropped it
into a pillar-box near by. Jim would get it on Christmas morning.

CHAPTER XI.

Christmas Day went by. It was quiet enough, although the children
shouted with glee over their stockings and ate their dinner heartily.
There was a depressed feeling under all the mirth, although Alison wore
her very best dress and laughed and sang, and in the evening played
blindman's buff with the children. There was a shadow over the home,
although Grannie talked quietly in the corner of the Blessed Prince of
Peace, and of the true reason for Christmas joy. Jim's place was
empty, but no one remarked it. The children were too happy to miss
him, and the elder members of the party were too wise to say what they
really felt.

Boxing Day was almost harder to bear than Christmas Day. Alison stayed
quietly in the house all the morning, but toward the afternoon she grew
restless.

"Dave," she said, "will you and Harry come for a walk with me?"

"To be sure," answered both the boys, brightening up. The little girls
clamored to accompany them.

"No, no," said Grannie, "you'll stay with me. I have a job on hand,
and I want you to help me. It is tearing up old letters, and putting
lots of things in order. And maybe I'll give you a chocolate each when
it is done."

The promise of the chocolates was comforting, and the little ones
stayed at home not ill pleased. Alison went out with her two brothers.
She held herself very erect, and there was a proud look on her face.
She had never looked handsomer nor more a lady. David felt