Sylvia's Lovers - Page 102/290

He turned to the right, into the court where he lodged with Alice

Rose. There was a light still burning there, and cheerful voices

were heard. He opened the door; Alice, her daughter, and Coulson

stood as if awaiting him. Hester's wet cloak hung on a chair before

the fire; she had her hood on, for she and Coulson had been to the

watch-night.

The solemn excitement of the services had left its traces upon her

countenance and in her mind. There was a spiritual light in her

usually shadowed eyes, and a slight flush on her pale cheek. Merely

personal and self-conscious feelings were merged in a loving

good-will to all her fellow-creatures. Under the influence of this

large charity, she forgot her habitual reserve, and came forward as

Philip entered to meet him with her new year's wishes--wishes that

she had previously interchanged with the other two.

'A happy new year to you, Philip, and may God have you in his

keeping all the days thereof!' He took her hand, and shook it warmly in reply. The flush on her

cheek deepened as she withdrew it. Alice Rose said something curtly

about the lateness of the hour and her being much tired; and then

she and her daughter went upstairs to the front chamber, and Philip

and Coulson to that which they shared at the back of the house.