He knelt down by the headstone and pressed his face against it . `` Avis , '' he said gently , `` dear Avis , I have come to visit your grave tonight because you seem nearer to me here than elsewhere . And I want to talk to you , Avis , as I have always talked to you every Christmastide since we were children together . I have missed you so tonight , dear friend and sympathizer -- no words can tell how I have missed you -- your welcoming handclasp and your sweet face in the firelight shadows . I could not bear to speak your name , the aching sense of loss was so bitter . Amid all the Christmas mirth and good fellowship I felt the sorrow of your vacant chair . Avis , I wanted to tell you what the year had brought to me . My theory has been proved ; it has made me a famous man . Last Christmas , Avis , I told you of it , and you listened and understood and believed in it . Dear Avis , once again I thank you for all you have been to me -- all you are yet . I have brought you your roses ; they are as white and pure and fragrant as your life . '' Other footsteps came so quickly on Doctor Fritz ' retreating ones that Nanny could not rise . It was Laddie this time -- gay , careless , thoughtless Laddie . `` Roses ? So Fritz has been here ! I have brought you lilies , Avis . Oh , Avis , I miss you so ! You were so jolly and good -- you understood a fellow so well . I had to come here tonight to tell you how much I miss you . It does n't seem half home without you .
XXXXX , I 'm trying to be a better chap -- more the sort of man you 'd have me be .
Avis Christmastide Fritz Laddie Nanny fellow headstone life sympathizer time