He accepted, and that week the merrymakers revolved to the strains of 'Nearer, my God, to Thee.' It sounds absurd; but when you come to reflect--" Brother Copas broke off, hearing a slight commotion in the next room.
Brother Bonaday, kneeling and puffing at the fire which refused to boil the water, had been startled by voices in the entry.

Looking up, flushed of face, he beheld a child on the threshold, with Nurse Branscome standing behind her.
"Daddy!" Brother Copas from one doorway, Nurse Branscome from the other, saw Brother Bonaday's face twitch as with a pang of terror.

He arose slowly from his knees, and very slowly--as if his will struggled against some invisible, detaining force--held out both hands.
Corona ran to them; but, grasped by them, drew back for a moment, scanning him before she suffered herself to be kissed.
"My, what a dear old dress!.

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