Mr.Hamilton again and again commented on her improved appearance, but I always listened rather silently; the evil spirit that had taken possession of Phoebe had not finally left her; 'and why could not we cast it out ?' used to come to my lips sometimes as I looked at her; but all the same I knew the Master-hand was needed for that.
Christmas Day fell this year on a Tuesday.

On Sunday afternoon I had finished my rounds and was returning home to tea, when, as I was passing the Marshalls' cottage, Peggy ran after me bareheaded to say her father had just arrived, and would I come in for a moment, as mother seemed a little faint, and granny was frightened.
I hastened back with the child; for, of course, in poor Mary's state the least shock might prove fatal.

I found Marshall stooping over the bed and supporting his wife with clumsy fondness, with the tears rolling clown his weather-beaten face.
'I'm 'most 'feard she's gone, missis,' he said hoarsely.

'Poor lass, I took her too sudden, and she had not the strength of the little un there.' I bade him lay her down gently, and then applied the necessary remedies, and, to my great relief, my patient presently revived.

It was touching to see the weak hand trying to feel for her husband; as it came into contact with the rough coat-sleeve, a smile came upon the death-like face.
'It is Andrew himself,' she whispered; 'I feared it was naught but a dream, mother; it is Andrew's own self, and he is looking well and hearty.