This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1895. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... He did not reply till they had reached their room, then his calm gave way. The danger past, he realised how great had been the peril, how awful the anxiety, how priceless were the treasures of love, and life, and freedom. Gradually Joyce drew from him all that had happened. Long ago she had ceased to feel harshly towards Randolph; the others might occasionally drop some word of strong dislike, or severely censure the family foe, but Joyce never. For Christ's commands are never impossible, and an enemy really prayed for becomes in time beloved. 'If he is wounded on the morrow, ' she said, gently; 'if, as you fear, it should go against him, then bring him here, Hugo.' And Hugo promised that ho would. CHAPTER XLII. RECONCILED. Hut justice, though her dome she doo prolong, Yet at the last she will her owne cause right. Spenser. Naturally enough the news caused not a little perturbation in the family; Joyce, who was more nearly concerned than the others, took it all far more quietly; but then she was much under her husband's influence, and saw things from his point of view. Her chief anxiety was now for Randolph's safety. Hugo had gone forth at dawn looking terribly anxious, and since then Joyce had become so firmly convinced that Randolph would be brought back wounded that she had made ready a room for him, put new sheets of her own spinning upon the bed, and placed ready to hand all that she thought might be needed by the leech. Then she stationed herself at the window to watch. It was a cold, grey winter's morning; the church bells sounded loud and clear, but they had to-day a melancholy cadence, at least she fancied so, although but yesterday they had seemed like the faint echoes of her great joy. Two half-frozen-looking robins were flying from twig to t...