But, suffering much there from loneliness, she soon wrote a pathetic letter to Agatha, entreating her to spend the approaching Christmas vacation with her, and promising her every luxury and amusement that boundless affection could suggest and boundless means procure.

Agatha's reply contained some unlooked-for information.
"Alton College, Lyvern, "14th December.
"Dearest Hetty: I don't think I can do exactly what you want, as I must spend Xmas with Mamma at Chiswick; but I need not get there until Xmas Eve, and we break up here on yesterday week, the 20th.

So I will go straight to you and bring you with me to Mamma's, where you will spend Xmas much better than moping in a strange house.

It is not quite settled yet about my leaving the college after this term.

You must promise not to tell anyone; but I have a new friend here--a lover.