I noticed afterward that Mrs. Flaxman's eyes were very red; but while he was playing my attention was taken up in part with the music, and partly in furtively watching Mr. Winthrop. He seemed ill at ease, and restless; while Mr. Bovyer's utmost efforts were powerless to move him to tears. When we had all drawn cosily around the fire, after the music was ended, I remarked with some regret, "I do not think Mr. Winthrop has any tears to shed. His eyes were as dry as a bone." "The night is too fine for such an effect. Wait until we have a storm," he said, with a smile. "Your nerves are too strong for a storm to affect them. Something very different will be required. I am afraid we must give you up." "Life is too smooth with him for music or anything aesthetic to ruffle the deeper springs. Wait until he has storms and whirlwinds to withstand." Mr. Bovyer said, calmly. "Oh I hope he will never have them, he has not patience like--some," I added, after a pause. I was going to say Mr. Bowen. "You must know that my ward has taken my measure very correctly. She is better than a looking-glass. Indeed I was not aware until lately that I had so many shortcomings." "Medicine for a mind diseased, administered by a gentle hand, cannot be hard to take." "The softest hand can sometimes wound the deepest." "Mr. Winthrop, surely I have never wounded you! I have not the power. To think so would give me pain; for, in your way, you have been kind to me--more so than I deserve," I said, impulsively. "We are always trembling in the verge of tragedy," he said lightly, and then rang for refreshments; and after that we retired. CHAPTER XVIII. THE CHRISTMAS TREE. Christmas morning dawned bright and clear, the one drawback the lack of snow. Thomas had everything in readiness, and every one in the house was looking forward to a sleigh-ride. However, all the other Christmas customs were observed. Before breakfast was the general distribution of gifts. We were all assembled at the usual breakfast hour in the dining-room, when Mrs. Flaxman rang the bell for the servants to come in. Reynolds was the first to appear. She took her seat nearest to Mr. Winthrop; then Mrs. Jones, the cook, and Thomas, Esmerelda, and Samuel came in.