The Legal Evolution of an Agriculturist 83 



tended, Fanny had suggested to John that they go to the little 

 church, set in the old graveyard, given by a former proprietor 

 from a corner of the Farm and where almost a century's "fore- 

 fathers of the hamlet sleep." They found the service simple 

 and the popular hymns sung heartily, even if somewhat grating 

 upon Fanny's well-trained ear; but it was not long before the 

 minister, who listened with delight to her clear voice adding its 

 melody, had enquired whether she would not sing for them at a 

 week-night entertainment. Of course she complied with the 

 simple request, and pleased greatly the people who were not 

 long in urging that she play the harmonium on Sundays and 

 lead the choir. Ever ready to oblige she soon found that she 

 could not only interest herself but also give pleasure to others, 

 and before the winter was over she had the choir trained in the 

 singing of anthems very creditably. Thus gradually she became 

 the centre of several little activities even in a dissenting chapel 

 which meant much for the improvement of the young women 

 and men whose opportunities had been so limited. 



All the family in Toronto were looking forward to the Christ- 

 mas home-coming from east and west. Ernest had already 

 arrived and gave a boisterous welcome to the two farmers 

 arriving on Christmas eve, and who were received by Joseph 

 Keeler and his wife with deep feelings of joy hitherto unknown. 

 Mrs. Keeler had not seen her two children for months; but now 

 as she gazed upon her favourite son, strong, clear-eyed, with 

 elastic step and manly bearing and upon her daughter, rosy 

 cheeked, joyous and instinct with vigorous health, she broke 

 down and wept copious tears of joy as she held her to her bosom. 

 Possibly for none had these months done more than for Mrs. 

 Joseph Keeler. She had at length gradually begun to realise 

 that life has another meaning than that which she had hitherto 

 gathered from it; and she now went to her husband and, kissing 

 him, thanked him with real gratitude in looks and words for 

 what he had done for them all, so quietly and so wisely. The 

 practical Tom said, "Everything is turning out all right as I 

 knew it must," and rejoiced with the rest, while even the 

 haughty Maud condescended to join in the common happiness. 

 The painful and serious soon gave way to the joyous and merry, 

 when Ernest demanded in his boisterous, jolly way of Jack, 



