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When we reached home, the drapes on the front ere drawn; Mrs

Randall's concession to the cold But when the door was opened to us, light poured out A fire blazed in the drawing roo peanuts Catherine and John sat on the sofa, and John held little James My heart swelled with happiness "Come in, come in!" said Mr Randall; "draw near How cold it is! Surely you are all perishing with it!"

We sat down and cake and as served; soon arain Mrs

Randall came downstairs to join us

"We have heard from Robbie," she said; "Jessie, there is a letter for you"

"Oh! Indeed!" I said, and felt my cheeks color swiftly "Is he well? Is he safe?"

"He tells us that he is quite safe, that the farm is secure," she said; "but perhaps you wish to read your own letter" She handed it tothatI broke the seal and unfolded it The writing blurred before my eyes I blinked The letter was dated a week previously

"My dear Jessie," he had written "I a to assure you and the family that I am safe and well There have been sohbors; but, I ah Perhaps the reputation of the McDonald clan prevents therin as I read the lines

"As I ah and its inhabitants are quite safe, I intend to travel to Brianag in ti soon

"Your loving husband, Robert Stewart"

My loving husband! I laughed, and wiped my cheeks When I looked up, I realized that everyone aiting for me to speak

"He will come home for Christmas!" I said, and they all smiled

"Good! Good!" said my father

"Yes, he says so in our letter, as well," said Mrs Randall

I folded the letter and put it into my pocket Mr Randall held out the tray of peanuts too ers, but I could not eat the weariness, and went upstairs to the bedroohttable as she brushed my hair It had now recovered its usual shine; in the candlelight it shie I sent Rabbit away