Charlotte had said, "they were really beautiful;" even Sophia had admitted that "they looked well among the greens." But to-day he had not been asked to assist in the decorations.

True, he had said, in effect, that he did not wish to assist; but, all the same, he felt shut out from his old pre-eminence; and he could not help regarding Julius Sandal as a usurper.
These were drearisome Christmas thoughts and feelings; and they found their climax in a pathetic complaint, "I never thought Charlotte would have given me the go-by.

All along she has taken my side, no matter what came up.

Oh, my little lass!" As if in answer to the heart-cry, Charlotte opened the door.

She was dressed in furs and tweeds, and she had the squire's big coat and woollen wraps in her hand.