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CHAPTER VII.

A MERRY CHRISTMAS.

NEWS FROM AUSTRALIA— A CHRISTMAS ROSE.

ON Christmas morning, when the bells of all the London churches were ringing out their joyous peals, the bright chimes of happiness rang in the hearts of the twins-for, better than all the Christmas gifts and pleasures that surrounded them was the treasure the postman brought. He plodded his weary and heavy laden way up the many stone steps, and knocked and rang as well, a double summons, which brought all the children into the hall.

"Something too big for the box!" exclaimed Eric, and all the young faces squeezed together to see what was handed in.

"Catch hold of some of them!" said Eric, as letters and parcels became too much for him to hold. Daisy held up her holland apron and received the load, and then marched at the head of the throng into the dining-room, where she tumbled the contents into her aunt's lap; and that lady proceeded to read the addresses, and hand to the owners their property.

Several small parcels, presents from schoolfellows,

came to the twins; and then a thick letter, directed in Mrs Norris' stiff handwriting to “Miss Lily Morton."

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When she had torn off the envelope, she found within their dear Mother's first letter addressed to them both, and announcing her safe arrival in Australia. Was not this the best news for Christmas morning? Aunt Marian's welcome advice that they should run up and quietly enjoy the perusal of their mother's epistle in their own room was quickly followed; and when they had bolted the door to keep out the servants, Daisy and Lily sat in a big arm-chair, their brown heads close together, and their rosy cheeks flushed with delight as they read, what I think we had better read with them.

"MY DARLING CHILDREN,-I know how you have longed for news, and the letters you forwarded to await me here, written during your first week at school, are before me now. I have read them many times, and between the lines I read that my dear children have only said cheerful things, because they

know my heart was as sore as theirs at parting; and that they are resolved to strengthen and comfort me, a wanderer so far from home, and on so strange

a quest.

"Now, about the business which brought me to Australia. I have only been three days here, but I have been to our old friend the clergyman, Mr Loder, whose church and parish are a few miles from our old home, as you will remember. I did not wish to go to Fir-Mount, (for Mr Cogan is living there,) until I had some certainty that the table I was seeking to find was still in the house; and I am so very glad I delayed, for Mr Loder has given me information which shews that any such visit would have been fruitless.

"It appears that directly Mr Cogan took possession of Fir-Mount, after we left Australia, he sold all the furniture that was in your poor father's library! An uneasy conscience, most probably, made him dislike to see what reminded him so strongly of one whose widow and orphans he had wronged. When it was known the things were for sale, Mr Loder attended the auction, and he met there a poor man, Ralph Mellor do you remember him, children? He was our gardener, and used to be very kind to you both. Well, this poor fellow had saved money, and desired to buy something that had been used by, and would remind him of his old master. Mr Loder wondered to see him bidding high for the foreign writing table, but Ralph said, "I'd like to have it, sir; and

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maybe some day the missus 'ud like to see it again!" and so he bought it. You will think then, my dear little ones, that I had only to drive to Ralph's cottage, and find the table! but God has not left quite so easy a way before me; for Ralph left the cottage at Fir-Mount a year ago, and at present I have not discovered his address. Do not let doubt or fear take hold of your hearts-keep as hopeful and brave as I feel now, and I feel sure right will triumph ere long.

"It will be Christmas time when this reaches you, and while I am sitting under a shady tree, thinking of my absent bairns, and enjoying balmy summer weather, you, my darlings, will perhaps be in the midst of frost and snow-but where? I had hopes Aunt Mary would ask you to spend the holidays with her, and I long to hear if this is the case. How are the rose trees? Dear Daisy, pack that promised blossom in a little box and send it by the first mail that starts after the wonderful flower is in bloom!

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And now, my pets, good-bye! I will write every mail, and praying the Father of the fatherless to bless and care for you,—I remain, ever your loving mother, LISA MORTON."

With a deep sigh the twins came back to everyday life, for their whole hearts had been across the seas till the last lines of the letter were read. Lily folded it up and said

"We oughtn't to have expected Mama to find it the minute she got there, ought we, Daisy?"

"N-o-o-o!" said Daisy, but her shake of the head had a very sad despondency in it.

"She's sure to find Ralph, you know!" persisted Lily, eyeing her sister anxiously, for what was to become of them if they got down-hearted?

"Yes," said Daisy brightening up, and eagerly seizing and unfolding the letter once more, "see! Mama puts a line under I feel sure."

"So she does! of course it will come right, and we must feel sure like mama does."

Whereupon the twins hugged each other vigorously, and, much cheered thereby, started off to the backdrawing-room to see the winter rose tree. Of all wonderful things! a real Christmas rose was blooming, born on Christmas morning!

Then it was time for church, and the church was in the square, and crowded with people. Strangers even looked inclined to wish each other a "merry Christmas," so infectious were the happy faces that beamed around. In the porch coming out, an eager voice called, "Lily, Daisy!" and the twins beheld their school-fellow, Flora, and her three big brothers. They exchanged a few words, and found to their mutual pleasure that Flora's father's house was only a few doors from Colonel Morton's!

"So come and see us!" urged Flora, and the children promised to ask leave to do so.

There was plenty of mirth amongst the boys and girls that evening, and Uncle Gerald and Aunt Marian looked on benevolently, and enjoyed the fun. You

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