ike a fine steel engraving, thrown
into high relief by the lamplight, seemed a part of it. The vibrant
little figure on the hearth rug, in a flame-coloured gown, was the high
note that gave it all climax. His mind swept the gamut of dirty hall
bedrooms, back to this, and the sigh with which he sank into the big
couch caught Bambi's amused attention.

"It was satisfaction," he assured her. "For the first time in my life,
I've got the home feeling."

She nodded understandingly. Her mind, too, swept up those dirty stairs,
peeped into the cell, and flew back, singing.

The Professor moved over beside Jarvis, and the wander tales began.
Bambi fluttered about like a scarlet tanager, tantalizing Jarvis with a
desire to catch her in his hand and hold her still.

At eleven the Professor said good night. Immediately Bambi led the talk
to their proposed work, and held it there, firmly, until midnight
chimed. Jarvis told her of the sale of the "Street Songs" to Strong's
magazine, and announced that one hundred dollars of it was to be set
down in the Black Maria account. She laughed and congratulated him.

Finally she rose.

"Your rooms are always ready for you, so I do not need to go up and see
about them. A Merry Christmas, Jarvis Jocelyn."

He laid his hands on her shoulders and looked deep into her eyes. He
thought he felt her tremble under his touch, but her glance was as frank
and emotionless as a boy's.

"A Merry Christmas to you, Miss Mite," he answered, with a sigh. She
laughed, unexpectedly patted his cheek with her hand, and ran upstairs.

XXII

Christmas day in the little house was a real celebration. It was the
first one in the Jocelyns' married life, and the entire household
entered into the spirit of Yuletide with enthusiasm. At Bambi's
suggestion, they hid the presents all over the house. The subsequent
search and discovery were carried on with much laughter and shouting.
Ardelia's delight over her gifts was vocal and extreme. The Professor
continually forgot which presents were his, and collected every one
else's into his pile, from which the owner laughingly rescued them. A
pair of silk stockings for Bambi which he absent-mindedly appropriated
caused much mirth.

Jarvis's gift to Bambi was a dull gold chain, hung with tassels of
baroque pearls, an exquisite feminine bauble.

"Oh, Jarvis, how charming! It's like a lovely lady's happy tears!" she
exclaimed.

He blushed happily.

"I thought it l