It was such a pity! Mrs.Harlow's removal was not completed until Christmas was so close at hand that it was thought best to make it the time for their return home.
It was really John and Mrs.Hatton who managed the whole business of the removal, and to their efforts the complete comfort--and even beauty--of the old residence was due.

But the days spent in this work were days full of the sweet intimacies of love.

John could never forget one hour of them, and it added to their charm to see and hear Martha Hatton everywhere, her hands making beauty and comfort, her voice sounding like a cheerful song in all the odd corners and queer places of the house.
Upon the whole it was a wonderful Christmas, but when it was over the realities of life were to face.

Jane was going to London and John wondered how he was to bear the days without her.

In the spring he would begin to build the house for himself he had long contemplated building.
The plan of it had been fully explained to Jane, and had been approved by her, and John was resolved to break ground for the foundation as soon as it was possible to do so.