m.

And they shook hands and went in to breakfast.

There were no more Christmas presents exchanged. No one there, except
Beatrix, had thought of giving one; though hers had been graceful and
appropriate.

After breakfast they went to church at Blackville. They were drawn
thither in the roomiest carriage, by a pair of the strongest horses,
with Joe on the box; for they expected to pick up the Sheridans after
the morning service, and to bring them to Black Hall to dinner.

The distance between Black Hall and Blackville was considerable, and the
road was rough, and so it was rather late when our party reached the
church.

The congregation were already in their seats, and the pastor was in his
pulpit; so there was no opportunity for our friends to meet until after
the benediction was pronounced.

Then, as the people were all leaving the church, Mr. Berners sought out
young Sheridan and his little niece, and after paying them the
compliments of the season, invited them to take seats in his carriage to
Black Hall.

They accepted his offer with thanks, and allowed him to conduct them to
the coach, in which the Pendletons were already seated.

There was a merry meeting between the young people, notwithstanding the
sadness of some reminiscences.

Youth cannot for ever be sorrowful.

Joe put whip to his horses, and started them at a brisk trot over the
snow-clad roads, and under the brilliant sky of that clear December day.

They reached Black Hall in good time.

The splendid Christmas fires were blazing on every hearth in the house.

Beatrix Pendleton took Minnie Sheridan to her own bed-chamber, that
they might there lay off their bonnets and shawls and prepare for
dinner.

Captain Pendleton went off alone to his room, and Mr. Berners was just
about to conduct young Sheridan to some spare bed-chamber, where he
could brush his hair, when the barrister laid his hand upon his host's
shoulder, and stopped him, saying:

"No; stay here. I have something which I must show you while we are
quite alone."

And he shut the doors, and then drew his companion away to the furthest
window, out of earshot of any chance eavesdropper.

"What is it?" inquired Mr. Berners, much mystified.

"I do not know; something very important I fancy. But read this first,"
said the barrister, placing an open letter in his friend's hand.

Lyon Berners in great curiosity examined it. It was addressed to ----
Sheridan, Esq., Counsellor at