Plot

Having being forced to retire after teaching for fifty-one years in a New England university for boys, Professor Ellis Fowler contemplates suicide when he doesn't feel that he's made a positive difference in the world.

Professor Ellis Fowler has been teaching at the Rock Spring School for Boys for a great many years. In fact, he taught the grandfather of one of his current students. Just before Christmas however, he's told by the headmaster that his contract will not be renewed for the new year. Despondent, he returns home convinced that his life has been wasted and decides to end it all. Before he can do so however, his is visited by some very special students from the past who give him cause to reconsider.—garykmcd

Professor Ellis Fowler has been teaching University classes for over 51 years. After dismissing his current class for Christmas holidays, he is informed by another University member that he is being forced to retire from his current job.

This news comes as a shock to Fowler. Upon returning to his home, he dejectedly sits in his study, listening to the Hallelujah Chorus on the radio. His housekeeper finds him, and upon her inquiring if he needs anything else, Fowler goes through some of his papers, remembering former students, some of whom had died in wars or to other forms of malady. Fowler then openly states that he feels that he has accomplished nothing in his life, and tells the housekeeper he will be going to bed.

As she cleans up the items on his desk, she finds Fowler's desk drawer open, and the holster which should contain a pistol, empty. Fearing that her employer is planning to kill himself, she rushes out of the room, only to find the front door open.

Fowler has trekked back to the University Campus, still feeling forelorn and planning to end his life. As he readies the pistol, the school's bells sound. Fowler finds this somewhat strange, and going into the University, returns to his classroom. As he sits contemplating for a few moments, he is shocked to find that several of his former students have returned from the dead, and are sitting in the classroom. They are all there to thank him for what he had taught them, and how it helped them in their lives.

Their kind words of thanks cause Fowler to reconsider his plans. He returns home where a group of carolers sing outside his house. As his housekeeper is pleased that he has returned safely, Fowler sits down to a late supper, and explains that he feels he has accomplished something in his life, and will retire without regrets.