Dr. Kendricks made his visit and saw there was little change. Several of the girls were going and they started early. Mrs. Barrington kept two pews on one side of the church, which was all in Christmas attire with wreaths of holly here and there, and clusters of golden flowers dried in their natural colors. The altar was fragrant with real blossoms and to Lilian there came a deeper emotion than reverence; something she had never experienced before. She who had no joy of her very own must rejoice in that of others and search out the blessings of the spirit, find a way into the other kingdom, where the things one hungers and longs for are laid up against the time one is fitted for the pure and high enjoyment of them. The strength of the steadfast waiting, the lives that touched with near or remote sympathy and held God's promise for today, for all time. There was something kept for those who wearied not, that was bestowed when the soul had come to understand the true source of beneficent living. She had been listening to the beautiful music and now there was a sudden hush while several of the congregation entered. There were Major and Mrs. Crawford, and certainly curious eyes might be pardoned as she walked up the aisle with a graceful step. Oh, yes, she _was_ a lovely woman, as in sweet humility and reverence she bowed her head. Then followed Zay and the fine looking midshipman who showed his pride in every line. What it must be to have a brother like that! Yet there was no envy in Lilian's soul, since all these joys and privileges were far beyond her. But she had a quick, responsive nature when anything really touched her, and she joyed sincerely in this other's joy. The service was gracious and comforting even to her. Hundreds of years ago ignorant shepherds sat watching their flocks all the long starlight night, and then the song of the angels, the great promise, the new era, the blessedness for the whole world that each might take his share. And the reverent prayer of this, Thy servant, delivered from her bodily illness who desired to return thanks in the presence of all Thy people touched her heart to tears, and she joined in it fervently. The class did not stay for the whole service. Lilian hurried home, glad to escape the chatter of the curious. Her mother had just roused. "It was such a sweet, comforting service. I wish you could have heard it, and--" would she understand about Mrs. Crawford--her "beautiful woman?" "I'm afraid when you leave me. Don't go away again," and the thin lips quivered. "But you have slept all the time, and you _do_ feel better." "If I could move about--" fretfully. "Can I help?" "Oh, no. I want to do it myself, but my limbs won't stir. Is it spring, that the sun shines so?" "No, dear. Tomorrow will be Christmas." "Do you remember Sally? She had a party you know and you wouldn't go--" "But I was only a little girl, a school girl, and they were young ladies."