e of bitterness behind. She was past all restlessness or
suffering now.

"How are you all going to keep Christmas, Agatha? You ought to be very
happy. After such a week as this has been, everything seems happiness
now."

"Not everything--when you are not with us, Anne--I mean, not with us
to-day."

"But I shall be with you, to-day and every day. I believe I shall never
be far away from Thornhurst and Kingcombe, and Kingcombe Holm."

She said this more to herself than to Agatha, who listened, her throat
choking; then answered abruptly, "You are talking too much--you must be
quiet."

Anne smiled--one of her old smiles, so full of cheerfulness. "I think I
am quiet enough already, but I will obey."

She turned her face to the pillow, and lay for a long time without
moving. At length she said:

"Agatha, I want you to do something for me."

"What is it?"

"I would like to see your husband, and my old friend, Mr. Brian Harper.
Will you go and fetch them?"

"I will to-morrow, but"--

"No--dear, not to-morrow; I must see them to-day--this very
Christmas-day. Go--you will not be away long. And we will send the
carriage, so that the journey can do Nathanael no harm."

"You are always thinking of every one," said Agatha, as she turned
to obey. She felt it was a solemn mission. All her bright plans about
Thornhurst grew dim; she could not look forward. Yet, warm in the
strength of youth and love, she cherished a faint hope still.

When she reached Kingcombe, Brian had not come home. They sent
messengers for him in all directions, but in vain. At last they were
forced to drive back without him--hopelessly peering through the dusk
to see if they could discern his tall figure across the moors. When they
were dashing at full speed through Thornhurst-gate, some one rose up
from the hedge beside it, and stopped the horses.

"Is anything the matter at the house? Speak, can't you, fellow?"

The voice hoarse and commanding--the tall, spare figure, the grey
hair--it could be none other than Brian Harper.

Nathanael called to him. "Uncle Brian, we have been looking for you
everywhere. Anne wants to see you. Come."

"I will." He walked away and was lost in the furze-bushes; but when the
carriage drove up to the door they found him already standing there.
They all entered the house together.

Anne's maid met them with a delighted countenance. Her mistress was so
well--thank God! She was up, and sitting in the drawing-room