But she said smilingly, "Ah! then, father, you confess that a woman may be a comfort in her home and yet study even mathematics?"
She spoke in a jesting tone, and expected a reply in a like strain. She was surprised, therefore, when her father laid his hand on her head, and said solemnly, "I do confess it, my child, when a woman has the grace of God in her heart to enable her to keep her different duties in their right place, and to prevent her being conceited and puffed up by her mental attainments, or careless as regards household matters. And now, my daughter, if you can spare me an hour or two to act as my amanuensis, I will be well pleased."
"Certainly, father," was the ready reply, and in a few minutes father and daughter were busy at work.
Whilst they were so engaged, Archie, Claude, and Ruth had made their way to the cottage where the M'Ivors lived. Entering the bright little parlour, Archie soon made their errand known.
"A Christmas tree!" said Gabrielle, jumping up from her work. "A Christmas tree! That will be good. Yes, of course, Archie, tell Prissy we will all be charmed to help her. And you also, maman," she said, turning to her mother—"you are so clever with your fingers, you will assist?—Oh, it is delightful. And all the little ones are to come, did you say?"
"Yes; and if Mr. and Mrs. M'Ivor would come also, my father and Prissy said they would be delighted to see them; and, of course, André as well."
Gabrielle clapped her hands with glee. "Oh, that is better and better! You will go? Do say you will, chère maman!"
Mrs. M'Ivor smiled at her daughter's eagerness, but assented to the proposal, unless the evening proved very cold. "For," she said, turning to Archie, "your Christmas is très-froid, très-froid sometimes."
"Ah!" he replied. "But this year, madam, it is going to be fine; every one says we are going to have a bright Christmas."
Then turning to Gabrielle and the boys, an animated discussion arose on decorations and suitable presents. Coloured paper was produced at once, and ere long, Gabrielle's clever French fingers had cut out some really tasteful ornaments for the tree. The time slipped away only too quickly, and on their way home, Archie found he had just a minute or two to spend with Joe Smith, who hailed with pleasure the announcement of a visit from Miss Warner.