The Upas Tree, a Christmas Story for All the Year: Unabridged

The Upas Tree by Florence Louisa Barclay is a thrilling novel which describes the spiritual growth of a man, who realizes his selfishness. Excerpt: Ronald West had swung off his horse a few moments before; thrown the bridle to a waiting groom, and made his way round to her stirrup. Then he had laid his hand upon Silverheels' mane, and looking up into his wife's glowing, handsome face, he had said: 'May I come to your room for a talk, Helen? I have something very important to tell you.' 'I thought my cavalier was miles away from his horse and his wife, during most of the ride. But, if he proposes taking me on the same distant journey, he shall be forgiven. Also, I have something to tell you, Ronnie, and I see the turret clock gives us an hour before luncheon. I must scribble out a message for the village; then I will come to you at once, without stopping to change.'