Everything had failed, and papa was gone. Who could
the man in the shaggy coat be?
The three went together into the parlor.
For a little, Matty and Horace and Tom and Beverly
then made a pretence of arranging the tree. But, in
truth, Mrs. Molyneux, in the midst of all her care, had
done that, while they were all away.
Dinner was postponed half an hour, and they gathered,
all in the darkness, looking at the sickliest blaze that
ever rambled over half-burned Cumberland coal.
The Brick came climbing up on Tom's knees and bade
him tell a story; but even Laura saw that something was
wrong, and hushed the child, and said she and Flossy
would sing one of their carols. And they sang it, and
were praised; and they sang another, and were praised.
But then it was quite dark, and nobody had any heart to
say one word.
"Where is papa?" said the Brick.
"Where indeed?" everybody wanted to say, and no one
did.
But then the door-bell rang, and Chloe brought in a
note.
"He's waiting for an answer, mum."
And Tom lighted the gas. It popped up so bright that
little Flossy said,--
"The people that sat in darkness saw a great light--"
This was just as Mrs. Molyneux tore open the note.
For the instant she could not speak. She handed it to
the three.
"FOUND
"Home in half an hour!
"All right! thank God!
T.
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