The Christmas Angel

A bump on the library door, as from an opposing knee, did duty for a knock."Bring the box in here, Norah," said Miss Terry, holding open the door for herservant, who was gasping under the weight of a packing-case. "Set it down on therug by the fire-place. I am going to look it over and burn up the rubbish thisevening."She glanced once more at the letter in her hand, then with a sniff tossed it upon thefire."Yes'm," said Norah, as she set down the box with a thump.

She stooped once moreto pick up something which had fallen out when the cover was jarred open.

It was apink papier-mache angel, such as are often hung from the top of Christmas trees asa crowning symbol.

Norah stood holding it between thumb and finger, staringamazedly.

Who would think to find such a bit of frivolity in the house of Miss Terry!Her mistress looked up from the fire, where the bit of writing was writhingpainfully, and caught the expression of Norah's face."What have you there?" she asked, frowning, as she took the object into her ownhands. "The Christmas Angel!" she exclaimed under her breath. "I had quiteforgotten it." Then as if it burned her fingers she thrust the little image back intothe box and turned to Norah brusquely. "There, that's all. You can go now, Norah,"she said.