Chapters 9 and 10 Summary

As Holmes continues to recuperate, he realizes the approach of Christmas in the children's voices outside his window and in the little gifts that Lois crafts, when she sits with him. Holmes can sense a weariness that has taken over Lois lately and feels tremendous guilt that her already vulnerable health has been compromised by her rescue of him in the burning mill.

The fast-approaching holiday turns Holmes' thoughts to home and children, and he sinks into a depression realizing that he will not have these comforts. His illness and the loss of the mill precipitated Miss Herne's swift lack of interest in any more romantic pursuits with Holmes.

As the December days rush by, Holmes remembers the Christmas holidays spent at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Howth. Margret and he spent every holiday of their childhoods together. Holmes can...