evidently in a very delicate state of health. He is accompanied by a
lady whose dress is also a marvel of beauty and costliness though
hardly of fitness. The broad bands of gold which adorn her wrists
and neck would alone procure for her the entire attention of the
congregation were she seated in a more conspicuous place. As it is
they are seated near the stove for increased comfort. "Good King
Wenceslas" sings the choir, the small boy finding the long word very
trying, and coming utterly to grief in the last two verses, for his
companion appears to have lost his place. With the last verse of the
carol comes the close of the service, the straggling congregation
disperse and the jolly clergyman drives off again. Then an important
thing happens, and happens very quietly. So quietly that the richly
dressed lady who is a bright, shallow and unsentimental Californian
does not mind it at all. "Humphrey!" says the tall man, "Hugh!" says
the other, and all is said. There is not much sentiment in the
meeting, how can there be? Their ways have gone too far apart. The
years--nearly twenty, since they parted in Los Angeles--have brought
gold and kith and kin to the one, with an enfeebled constitution and
an uncertain temper. To the other, they have brought the glory of
health for his manhood's crown, content and peace unutterable. To
learn to subdue the ground is to learn one great lesson. So the
strange meeting is soon over. The Christmas spell may not always
last and the brothers separate once more.

* * * * *




FINIS.