; proving how much better was "a dish of herbs where love is,
than the stalled ox with hatred therewith." Moreover, they were all
piously disposed; they were sensible that they owed a large debt of
gratitude to Heaven for all its daily mercies in providing them with
food and raiment, forwarding off from them sickness and sorrow, and
giving them humble and contented hearts; and on this day, they felt how
little were all worldly considerations, compared with the hopes which
were held out to them through the great sacrifice which the goodness and
mercy of God had made for them and all the world. It was, therefore,
with cheerful yet subdued looks that they greeted each other when they
met previous to the morning prayers. Mr Campbell had already visited
his patient and readjusted the bandage; her ankle was better, but still
very much swelled, the poor creature made no complaints, she looked
grateful for what was done and for the kindness shewn to her. They were
all arrayed in their best Sunday dresses, and as soon as prayers were
over, had just wished each other the congratulations so general, so
appropriate, and yet too often so thoughtlessly given upon the
anniversary, when Malachi Bone, his little squaw the Strawberry, and
John, entered the door of the hut, laden with the sports of the forest,
which they laid down in the corner of the kitchen, and then saluted the
party.

"Here we are all together on Christmas-Day," said Emma, who had taken
the hand of the Strawberry.

The Indian girl smiled, and nodded her head.

"And, John, you have brought us three wild turkeys; you are a good boy,
John," continued Emma.

"If we only had Captain Sinclair here now," said Martin to Emma and Mary
Percival, who was by Emma's side, shaking hands with the Strawberry.

Mary coloured up a little, and Emma replied, "Yes, Martin, we do want
him, for I always feel as if he belonged to the family."

"Well, it's not his fault that he's not here," replied Martin; "it's now
more than six weeks since he has left, and if the colonel would allow
him, I'm sure that Captain Sinclair--"

"Would be here on this day," said Captain Sinclair, who with Mr Gwynne,
his former companion, had entered the door of the house without being
observed; for the rest of the party were in conversation with Malachi
Bone and John.

"Oh, how glad I am to see you," cried Emma; "we only wanted you to make
our Christmas party complete; and I'm very glad to see you too