Jill, my dear, you have acted very wrongly, and I am afraid we shall all get into trouble over this school-girl trick of yours.

I must think what is best to be done under the circumstances.' 'You may think as much as you like,' returned Jill obstinately, 'but I have come to spend my Christmas Day with you, and nothing will induce me to go back to Fraeulein: I shall murder her if I do.

Now, Ursie darling,' in a coaxing voice, 'do be nice, and make much of me.

You can't think how delicious it is to see your face again; it is such a dear face, and I like it ever so much better than Sara's and Lesbia's.' I was unable to reply to this flattering speech, for Jill suddenly put up her hand--I noticed it was a little inky--and said, 'Hark, there is some one coming up to the door ?' and for the moment we both believed that it was Fraeulein; but, to Jill's immense relief, it was only Mr.Tudor, with a great bough of holly in his hand.
'We have just finished at the church, and I have brought you this, Miss Garston,' he began, and then he stopped, and said, 'Miss Jocelyn here!' in a tone of extreme surprise, and Jill got up rather awkwardly and shook hands with him.

I could see that she felt shy and uncomfortable.