Why should she be sitting there longing for fairy tales to be true, when the great Hand that had set the stars to swinging could bring anything to pass; could even open that long-closed gate and bring the brother and sister together again, and send happiness to little Jules?
Joyce lifted her eyes again and looked up, out past the stars.

"Oh, if you please, God," she whispered, "for the little Christ-child's sake." When Joyce went back to the house, Cousin Kate sat in the drawing-room alone.

Madame had gone over to see Jules, and did not return until long after dark.

Berthe had been in three times to ask monsieur if dinner should be served, before they heard her ring at the gate.

When she finally came, there was such an air of mystery about her that Joyce was puzzled.