which she cried out, in her innocent and touching voice, that she
was quite alone, and they had all forgotten her.

A month soon passes, even at its tardiest pace. The month
appointed to elapse between that night and the return, was quick of
foot, and went by, like a vapour.

The day arrived. A raging winter day, that shook the old house,
sometimes, as if it shivered in the blast. A day to make home
doubly home. To give the chimney-corner new delights. To shed a
ruddier glow upon the faces gathered round the hearth, and draw
each fireside group into a closer and more social league, against
the roaring elements without. Such a wild winter day as best
prepares the way for shut-out night; for curtained rooms, and
cheerful looks; for music, laughter, dancing, light, and jovial
entertainment!

All these the Doctor had in store to welcome Alfred back. They
knew that he could not arrive till night; and they would make the
night air ring, he said, as he approached. All his old friends
should congregate about him. He should not miss a face that he had
known and liked. No! They should every one be there!

So, guests were bidden, and musicians were engaged, and tables
spread, and floors prepared for active feet, and bountiful
provision made, of every hospitable kind. Because it was the
Christmas season, and his eyes were all unused to English holly and
its sturdy green, the dancing-room was garlanded and hung with it;
and the red berries gleamed an English welcome to him, peeping from
among the leaves.