The Argosy — page 102: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

One Christmas Eve. 87 The hours passed. Eleven had struck upon the frosty air from the ehurch tower. Ned and Nora had long been in. Kitty had never ceased to watch. Dr. Driver, driven by the sound of William’s voice to avoid the hall, entered the parlour and poked up the fire. His keen eye soon caught sight of a little heap of blue in the high window-seat. Two strides took him to Kitty’s side. “Your nerves are very faulty,” he said, severely, as she gave a start of relief at his unexpected appearance. ‘“What have you been doing with yourself?” he continued, sitting down beside her. ‘‘ You are cold and trembling, and I vow—yes, I vow you have been crying.” ‘Did you go on the water ?” asked Kitty, rubbing away the tears. “I did not go to Beachley at all. I caught sight of William on the high road—and not wishing to meeta fool, I turned down a lane and went to see some patients,” said he. ‘One of them was very ill and wanted all my attention.” A little sob of relief from Kitty. A sudden leap of joy to the Doctor’s heart. “ Kitty! Were you afraid for me?” he asked, taking her, cold and trembling as she was, in his arms. He drew her to the warm fire-light, and held her there before the glowing coals. Kitty, ina panic of terror, lest the Doctor should read her very heart of hearts, would have fled from this keen scrutiny—but she was not permitted. ‘The Doctor’s arms closed round her. At that moment the bells rang out on the frosty air. Twelve o'clock had struck ; it was Christmas Day. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill towards men,” said Dr. Driver reverently, as if interpreting the message of the bells. ‘‘ Is there a happier man on earth than I am to-night, my darling? Let us try and make the world happier for others.” And Kitty nestled close in the strong arms and felt that she had found her haven. And the bells rang out their happy peal to the end, and earth and sky seemed full of the glad tidings of Christmas. COREL O© SS) am