A disinterested person might have fancied he had not heard a word of our conversation, but I was sure I saw a steely glitter in his eyes, and a cruel smile playing around his mouth.
"Then you go to church this morning ?" I said, seeking to turn the conversation as naturally as I could.
"Yes, I always do on Christmas morning," she replied, as if thankful I had given her an opportunity of speaking about other matters.
"Then I hope I shall have the pleasure of escorting you," I replied.
Ordinarily I should not have dared to mention such a matter to a lady I had seen so little of, but the request slipped out unthinkingly; and she, no doubt confused by the presence of Voltaire, cheerfully assented.
Our embarrassment came to an end just then, for several others came into the room, and the conversation became general.
As the reader may guess, I was highly elated at the turn matters were taking, and in my heart I began to laugh at Voltaire's idea of winning Gertrude Forrest.

Moreover, she had willingly consented to walk to church with me, and had expressed a dislike for the man I, in spite of myself, was beginning to fear.
Only a very few of the party found their way to the old time-honoured building to join in the Christmas service that morning.

Some were tired and remained in their rooms, while others enjoyed sitting around the cheerful fires.

I was not sorry, however, for I was thus enabled to enjoy more of Miss Forrest's society.

Need I say that my morning was truly enjoyable?
I think not.