ietro, had said that it would
not be at all dangerous for him to have his desire gratified--to take
the holy communion at the sacred altar. His days were plainly
numbered; it but remained to make his decline as full as possible of
joy and peace.

The poor old fellow was pleased to wear his fresh homely suit and the
broad-brimmed hat that reminded him so pleasantly of home. The
congregation were already assembled when the two entered--Pietro
leaning heavily on the arm of the colonel, who gently led him to the
corner of the pew that had been comfortably prepared for him.

The preliminary service over, the children recently confirmed went
forward first to the communion, circling the chancel in solemn
stillness, while the prayers of the congregation went up for the young
disciples. Then came the elders to the holy table. Old Pelle and
Pietro knelt side by side, the latter staying himself by one hand on
the colonel's shoulder, as if he had been a brother. The Italian knew
nothing of the pride and stiffness of the early days of his friend.
The colonel was but to him the loving guide who had led him to the
heavenly kingdom. Their paths were soon to separate. Pietro was to be
summoned upward; the colonel was to linger and labour, and perhaps
suffer before he entered into rest.

The future lay uncertain before the dwellers at Ekero and the golden
house, but they had nought to fear. They had opened the guest-chamber
of their hearts to the heavenly Visitant, and they would henceforward
be blessed by his continual presence.

And Nono, who had so early admitted the sacred Friend? He did not see
his father on earth, but he had the glad hope of meeting him in the
true home above. Nono was to "make beautiful things," and had the
beautiful life of all who follow Him who is the spring and source of
beauty and purity and love.

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and
open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he
with me."

"If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him,
and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him."

"Be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come
in."

THE END.

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