Part 53 (2/2)

All the household was there; Miss de Lisle beaming at Wally and very stately and handsome in blue silk; the servants, led by Allenby, with Con and Katty and Bride giggling with astonishment at a tree the like of which did not grow in Donegal.

”All mustered?” said Father Christmas. ”Right oh! I mean, that is well. As you see, I've had no end of a time labouring in your behalf.

But I love hard work!” (Interruption from Mr. Meadows, sounding like ”I _don't_ think!”) ”Being tired, I shall depute to my dear young friend here the task of removing the parcels from the tree.” He tapped Wally severely on the head with his knuckles, and that hapless youth e.j.a.c.u.l.a.t.ed, ”Beast!”. ”You'll get thrown out, if you don't watch it!” said the saint severely. ”Now--ladies first!”

He detached the Red Cross nurse from her bough and placed her in Alison's arms; and Alison, who had glued her eyes to her from the moment of entering the room, uttered a gasp, sat promptly upon the floor, and began an exhaustive examination of her charms, unheeding any further gifts. Under the onslaught of Wally and Harry the tree speedily became stripped of its burden; Father Christmas directing their labours in a voice that plainly had its training on the barrack-square. Eva watched him admiringly.

”Ain't the Captin a trick!” she murmured, hugging her parcels to her.

The last package came down, and Father Christmas slipped away, disappearing behind a screen with a flourish that revealed an immaculate brown leather gaiter under the cotton-wool snow bordering his red cloak; and presently Jim sauntered out, slightly flushed.

”Oh, you silly!” said Geoffrey. ”Where _ever_ have you been? You've missed ole Father Christmas!”

”I never did have any luck,” Jim said dolefully.

”Never mind--he's left heaps and heaps of parcels for you. I'll help you open them,” said Geoffrey kindly.

The gong summoned them to tea; and afterwards it was time to take the children home, happy and sleepy. Jim tossed Alison up on his shoulder, and, with Geoffrey clinging to his other hand, and Michael riding Wally pick-a-back, Norah and the boys escorted the Hunts back to the cottage.

”You're coming over again, of course?” Jim said. ”We're going to dance to-night.”

”Oh yes; we're getting a terribly frivolous old couple,” said Mrs.

Hunt, laughing. ”But Christmas leave only comes once a year, especially when there's a war on!”

”I think she needs a rest-cure!” said her husband, knitting his brows over this remarkable statement. ”Come in and lie down for awhile, or you won't be coherent at all by to-night; Eva and I will put the babies to bed.”

”Can't I help?” Norah asked.

”No--you're off duty to-night. You've really no idea how handy I am!”

said Major Hunt modestly.

”Then we'll see you later on,” Norah said, disentangling Michael from her neck. ”Good-night, Michael, darling; and all of you.”

”We've had a lovely time!” Geoffrey said.

”I'm so glad,” Norah said, smiling at him. The cottage-door closed, and they turned back.

”I've had a lovely time, too!” she said. ”There never was such a Christmas!”

”Never!” Jim said. ”I believe that five months in Germany was worth it.”

”No!” said Wally sharply.

”No, it wasn't,” Norah agreed. ”But now--it helps one to forget.”

They came slowly across the frozen lawn. Before them Homewood loomed up, little beams of warm light coming from its shuttered windows.

Then the door opened wide, letting out a flood of radiance; and in it stood David Linton, looking out for them. They came into the path of light; Norah between the two tall lads. His voice was tender as he looked down at their glowing faces.

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