CHRISTMAS DAY. CHAPTER IX.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2122, 13 February 1886, Page 1 (Supplement)

CHRISTMAS DAY. CHAPTER IX.

' That fellow Hugh asked himself to dinner to-day. Nelly,' said the Vicar to his wife, the next morning at breakfast. • Well, my dear, I'm sure we'll be very glad to see him,' replied Mrs Manners. A soft pink shade crept over Adelaide Manners' pale checks during this conversation, while George, standing by the window, looked very noble and handsome, turned round with his bad-tempered look (as the children called it) coming very quicklyfover his face. • lhat was cool of him, I must say,' he said. ■ Why I thought you and Hugh were such great friends' answered the Vicar, wich a chuckle. He knew perfectly well u hat had displeased his son, and rather enjoyed any exhibition of the weakness of human nature. 1 Oh, we're friendly enough,' said George, shortly. ' He seemed to admire Miss Williams,' last night,' said the Vicar, with a p"leasut smile. ' I daresay,' answered George. 'He did nothing of the kind,' said Miss Manners, who had not much temper or discretion. ' He, he— perhaps he knows something more of her than he chooses to tell.' ' What do you mean by that ?' asked George, angrily and abruptly. 'Just what I said,' answered Adelaide, her blush deepening into scarlet. 'I wouldn't show it so openly, if I 1 were you women,' sneered George. ' I'd try, I think, to hide my jealousy of every better looking women than myself a little more than you do.' ' But I don't consider her better looking,' said Adelaide. ' And as for being jealous ! — jealous of a governess — a nursery governess ! I've not quite fallen so low, George — and a woman, too, of ' ' Of what?' said George, looking at his sister steadily. ' How do we know who or what she is ?' answered Adelaide in a loud tone, and trembling with passion. ' Coming here dressed like a princess, and giving herself all the airs and graces of a tine lady ! You may storm and rage if you like, George— but Hugh knows something about her he wouldn't tell — something against her— l saw it in his face.' 'Amiable children, 1 said the Vicar, looking from one to the other. ' George's face had flushed a deep red while his sister was speaking, but with an certain effort of will, of which he was quite capable, he now restrained himself. • You had butter take care what you say, Adelaide,' he said, in a moment or two, quietly but significantly. 'As for Hugh, he shall answer to me for any insinuation which he has chosen to make.' And with these words he abruptly quitted the room. You have made a nice row with your folly, Adelaide,' said the Vicar. 4 What do 1 care T she answered defiantly. But just at this moment the door opened, and Miss Williams quietly entered. 'Come beside the fire, 1 said the Vicar, rising and shaking her hand, and endeavorto conceal that they had been talking of her, for he was a gentleman in manner ; ' this frosty morning is cold.' ' A happy Christmas, my dear ; let me cut you borne cako ;' said the kindly hobtebs in a Hurry. But Adelaide gave no greeting, but rose di&lainfully from the table, and went towards the wiudow and stood looking out upon the snow ; and somehow, with that strange consciousness of the unseen which we possess, Miss Williams felt that her entrance bad been ill-timed. •To return to the subject which your little discussion interrupted, Adelaide,' said the Vicar in a few minutes, ' Hugh offered to dine here, and the question is, what time skall we dine— early, I suppose :' ' We cannot do that if Hugh comes, 1 said Adelaide, turning hastily round. 4 Surely, papa, you would not ask him to sit down to a two o'clock dinner ?' ' My sirloin is a prime one, I expect,' said the Vicar, ' and the turkey is splendid isn't it, Nelly? I shall be hungry, after my sermon, and, therefore, quite ready to enjoy my dinner as usual. Which, therefore, is the most proper course, Mi&s Williams? Should an old man like me alter his wayn to suit a youug man like my nephew, or the reverse ':' ' The reverse, I should hay,' answered MtSh Williams with a smile. ' That is ray opinion ; so write a line to your cousin, Adelaide, and tell him he must c'en eat his dinner at the time which suits his old uncle.' 4 1 cannot do it, papa. You might, I think, wait a few hours when Hugh is so seldom here. He cannot dine in the middle of the day. 1 'He has his remedy, my' dear ; he can stay at home,' said Mr Manners with a laugh. 4 We'll fix it afterwards," said Mrs Manners. ' Don't let us talk of it any more just now. Is Milly awake yet, Miss Williams '< Ido hope she is not very tired,' 4 Oli, no, she looks quite bright,' replied Miss Williams. They enjoyed themselves ao much last night.' • You did it remarkably well,' said the Vicar, ' very well. Dolly was excellent. And what d-i you think cf Sir Hugh, then, Miss Williams ?' • I think he has singularly handsome features,' replied the governess. ' Yes, Hugh will make a very personable corpse. He doesn't depend on complexion,' pleasantly remarked Mr Manners. 'It wus India that made him co pale,' said Adelaide. ' India always changes the appearance. Don't you think so, Miss Williams 2" Aa Miss Manners said this she fixed her eyes on Miss Williams's face, vrhoperceptably winced, and moved uneasily under her gaze. •Don't you think that India is very trying ?' Adelaide asked again. "'I — I do not know,' answered Mi Williams, with slight hesitation. 'Oh, I thought perhaps you might, 1 and with this last random shot Adelaide walked out of the room. 'Adelaide has got up on the wrong side of the bed, as they say about here, I think,' said the Vicar, as soon as she had taken her departure. 'It is hard to say whether George or she are the sweetest in ! temper.' ' • Sho vexes George, Arthur, by what she s.iys,' answered Mrs Manners. 4 George is really very good-tempered.' ' George is my boy, my eldest, my paragou, 1 Baio the Vicar, with a good-natured

nod at his wife. ' That's what this good woman thinks a hundred times a day, Mi.*s Williams. Did you ever see Mich n model stop-mother as she is i' 1 He lia«* been a pood f>on to me,' said Mrs Manners. ' I want no other.' 4 I hope not, my dear,' returned the Vicar solemnly. •Oh fie, Vioar, how you talk. Hen proud of George, himself, Mi-s Williams, only he won't lot on ' ' He won't what my dear ;-' • I've made a mistake, I daresay,' said Mrs Marnier* meekly, her rosy cheeks growing a little redder, • but never mind —if the heart's in the right, a slip o' the tongue doesn't matter much ; does it, Miss Williams •■' 'No, indeed.' • I declare thero are the bells,' cried the Vicar, rising. 'Run like a good woman, Nplly, and bring me my sermon. It is lying on the desk, and is marked Christmas sermon, and has seen a good many before this.' Meanwhile George, hot-tempered and disturbed, was breasting against the cuttin? north-east wind, and plunging knecdeep at times amid the heavy snow, which had drifted upon the hilly shore. Far away rolled the great ocean, storrato&scd, at his feet, but George was in no humour to admire the beauties of the wintry sea. In his- heart, anger, love, jealousy, and doubt were struggling for the mastery. He clenched his hands and bit his lips when he recalled his sister's hateful words. What did Adelaide mean ? Had Hugh really known anythins; againnt her ? Perhaps known her ! Oh ! what a pan? stabbed into his heart at the very thought. ' I would kill her, I think,' he said between his teeth, 'kill her, if I thought it.' 1 Why has he come here to disturb my peace ?' he went on passionately. • I meant to be a jrood husband to her — to love her, and shield her in my arms for ever. But now, I hate him — I think I hate him, with his false face.' Ding-dong, ding-dong, came through the frosty air. It was the old church bell ringing for the Christmas service ; and George started when he heard it, stopped, and listened. 1 My Ged !' he thought, 'do I call myself a Christian, and have such thoughts as these to-day.' And he lifted up his eyes to the cold grey sky, with what solemn yearning, self-condemnation, and reproach ! • Why are we shut out,' he said, ' 6hut out by the passion* and temptations of our hearts ?' For a few moments he stood still, struggling with evil, .striving for good ; then that which is <ver strongest, if we only earnestly seek it, prevailed. 'I will go to church,' he said; 'go to church first, and then will ask Hugh what he meant— in a different spirit, I hope, than I could now.' The service was fai' advanced when he entered the church. The Vicar was reading the Go-pel in his rich, strong voice : 'He ca?ne into his own, but his own received him not. But as many as received him, to th»»m gave he power to become the sons of God ; even to them that believed on his name.' And poor George bowed his head, praying perhaps for the belief which would enable him f o obtiin his blessed inheritance. After a while the Vicar attended the pupil, mid punched a very excellent and appropriate sermon. His son had often heard it before. He remembered the serious and the touching parts ; remembered the very expression of face which the Vicar thought suitable for the occasion. ' Oh ! my brethren, will you not accept this gracious offer ' George knew that at the moment his father said this he was most probably thinking of his dinner ; knew how he had grumbled at putting it off ; knew, in fact, his selfNh old heart. Suicly example is better than precept, and the rough plain words of a good man more powerful than all the rounded and eloquent sentences of some learned divines? George naturally did not believe much in his father's preaching, the most solemn and holy words scarcely now sounded solemn or holy from his lips. ' He should not have been a parson,' thought his son, with a half-smile. • Poor father ! yet he is a good follow after all.' He waited for him until he came out of the vestry, and only gave the children and their governess a smile and a nod aa they passed the almost last pew in the church in which he was seated. 4 Are you coming Y whispered Dolly. But he shook his head, and Hit still until his father was ready ; putting his arm through the Vicar's with friendly affection. 1 Well, George, and so you were a good boy and came to church after all ?' said the Vicar, who was pleased at him waiting. ITo be sure,' answered George. And now I am going up to see Hugh. ' He's coming to dinner— at six — for I had to give in to the women, confound them ! Fancy after preaching— l can't fast until six ; and I'll just be spoiling my dinner by eating your mother's plum cake ! Disgusting !— spoiling one's dinner indeed, and one's digestion as well, for a fellow like that.' ' He is the head of the house,' said Georsre, laughing. • The head be hanged,' said the Vicar, who was in a very bad humour. ' I don't see why he should come. Wo would have been jollier without his white face, and his sneers at the table.' • We could not well let him dine alone to-day,' said George kindly, for his heart was softened. ' Good-bye until dinner then, father ; and mind you don't spoil it by too much Christinas loaf and pale sfierry.' Aud, nodding to the Vicar, George turned off on his way to the hall. His heart softened still more towards his cousin as he approached the old house. How a thousand times he had gone up to that broad smooth avenue — how a thousand times he had been welcomed by the kindly old master, who was lying in his grave, He remembered all the Christmasea he had spent there, remembered their chases among the leafless trees; their shouts, their laughter, and their falls. And there was but Hugh now — but Hugh, after poor, foolish, generous Walter had gone to his tragic fate. He found his cousin, where he expected him, pitting in the library by a glorious fire, and languidly dawdling over a luxurious breakfast. ' Thanks, old fellow, for coming,' said Sir Hugh, holding out his hand to the visitor. ' I should wish you, shouldn't I, a merry Christmas and a happy New Year? But as you're likely to have them, I forbear,' j ' Well we'll hopo for the beat,' said George, cheerily enough. Don't throw cold water on them beforehand, at any rate.' • 'Twould be ice thi9 morning, I think,' said Sir Hugh. 'By Jove, what a climate this is !' ' You are comintr down to our place to dinner, aren't you ?' said George. ' Yes ; here's a note from Adelaide. You dine— at six shn says ?' 4 Well, can you dine so early ?' 4 Don't be a fool, George,' answered Sir Hugh, who waj> rather above most small affections. ' I can dine very well at any hour when I've got a good dinner to diuo on. I only hope that you have not waited for me. I remember on sermon days it used to be two o'clock at the Vicarage.' 'Adelaide made a row about it at breakfast this morning,' said George, laughing. 'She eaid. v, fiuo gentleman

like you couldn't dine in the middle of thi day ; so I left the Vicar swearing ovei his endangered digestion,' ' I'm sol ry. Couldn't we have it earliei gt,ill ?' 'Nonsense,' said George, 'I'm onlj joking ; of course not, old fellow,' And he sat down on one of his cousin's arm chairs by the fire as he spoke. • Have a pipe? 1 «aid Sir Hugh, and the two meu sat silent with their feet on the fender for the next quarter of an hour. • I've something to say to you, Hugh,' said George at length, getting up, and knocking the ashes of his pipe out upon the bar. 1 Say on then, George.' ! • What was the— the nonsense you were talking to Adelaide last night V 1 What nonsense ?" • About— Miss Williams ?' • I never talked any, said Sir Hugh. • You said something— you inferred something, at least, did you not ?' 'I said she was a very pretty woman. I might have inferred — I thought her a jolly one.' • What do you mean by jolly ?' said Georeje, his face turning very red. 1 A lively girl ; a light-hearted, lightsome young vrcatnrc, formed to cheer a mau's dark hours, George— that's about what I inferred.' George could not help laughing at his cousin's expressions as he said this. • Was that all you said ?' he asked. 4 Then what induced Adelaide to itisinuate what she did ?' 4My dear George, Adelaide is a — woman.' • A woman in her sense then means all sorts of malice and uncharitableness,' said George, angrily, forgetting his good rosolutions. Sir Hugh shrugged his shoulders. ' She is one,' he said ; • the pretty girl of whom we are talking is another.' •Not of her sort.' ' They are all akin, George,' answered Sir Hugh, with some bitterness ; ' all, all. I've known many women in my day, and they've all been worldly or false—except perhaps one poor girl. 1 4 There has been one then, Hugh ?' said George, with a smile. 4 Yes,' said Sir Hugh, slowly. • Yes, I think so ; but then she has been brought up in a different school.' 4 What school ?' asked George. 4 Nature,' said Sir Hugh, rising and going to the window. ' Yon old roarer there,' pointing to the blue sealine visible from the window, 'has been her godmother.' ' You mean Peggy Richardson ?' said George. Sir Hugh nodded his head, and his cousin turned away with a kind of pained look upon his face, and began gazing into the tire. Then suddenly looking rouud, he said in a low tone — ' Don't hurt the poor lass, Hugh ; don't break poor Peggy's heart' But Sir Hugh made him no answer. He was beating his fingers restlessly against the frosty panes, and he never looked round wl,«n his cousin spoke. •Let us have some brandy,' he said, in a few moments, "it freezes one to look upon the frozen world.' And with a shiver he came back and crouched down beside the blazing fire. 4 You don't look stiong, Hugh,' said George, kindly. 4 1 wish you would lead a different life.' •It's too late,' answered Sir Hugh, gloomily. And George thought these words of his rich and handsome cousin, sitting there discontented and unhappy, were a better sermon than that which he had heard to-day. By-and-by, however, Sir Hugh roused him-elf aud began talking after his usual careless fashion ; showing some interest in Goorge's occupation and success. 4 It's good to be a money-grubber,' he said. 'Do you know what I wish I'd been born, George ? One of the toilers of the Foil.' •And what about the want and misery ? ' said his corn-in. What about the workhouse, rheunutiam, and old age ? ' 1 These are exceptional cases,' said Sir Hutrh. ' Not so much as you think, perhaps. No, Hugh, bo thankful you have the means of doing good still.' • And don't do it.' ' Yon are a young man now, mid George. " We'll wait till you have settled down before wo will i ay that. 1 Sir Hugh made no reply to this, and with such idle talk the c< usias whiled away the short winter day. At dinner time they walked dow.i to the Vicarage together, and found it all lighted and ready to receiTe them, I How are you, Hutrh ?' sjjx I Adelaide, meeting them in the hall and holding out her hand ; and after her cousin had shaken it, she held it towards her brother also, who took it in silent reconciliation. 4 Don't let us have any more quarrelling to-day,' she said. ♦ I wiih for none, I am sure,' said George kindly, Then they went up into the drawing-room, where Mrs Manners, comely and blooming, in her best black silk, was waiting to welcome them. Miss Williams and the children were there, also ; for, as it was Christmas Day, Mis& Manners insisted that they should all dine together. So in a few luinutts Georgo was seated with a little sister on each knee, and Sir Hugh was complimenting Dolly on her decided success. 480 an actress, Dolly, when you grow up, 1 he suid, 'and you'll make your for. tune.' I 1 thought they were rather odd people in general,' answered Dolly, discreetly. ' You'd just Miit them then,' said Sir Hugh. ' I'm not odd,' replied Dolly, sharply. •Hum,' said Sir Hugh, and Dolly won just beginning to look angry when dinner was luckily announced. It was a very pleasant meal. The sirloin and turkey were perfect, the Vicar still hungry, and Sir Hugh, for him, wonderfully agreeable. His pale face was slightly flushed, and though be scarcely was witty, bis conversation was pungent and clever. He was, in fact, a man of whom you did not grow weary, for though naturally selfish and vain, he was too well-bred and sarcastic to show it. He saw these faults too clearly in his friends openly to indulge in them ; and his cousin Adelaide, who was sitting beside him, thought him this day not only aa eligible match, but the most charming and handsome of men. Near to him, looking a little pale and fatigued, but ptill very attractive and pretty, was Miss Williams. But Sir Hugh was merely polite to his neigh- [ bour, and seemed perfectly content while I talking to Adelaide ; and George, after watching hi-* face with jealous anxiety grew both light-hearted and lively. ' What a bugbear I have made out of nothinir,' be thought,' ; ' how foolish and stupid I have been.' Miss Williams, however, seemed ready to pardon all his febortcomiugs. She was more friendly and gentle than usual, George thought, and asked with interebt about his plans and return. ' I'll have to go to London shortly,' he said, 'but I'll wait now until after the New Year." 'The New Year,' said Sir Hugh, 'to be sure, that's to-day week, isn't it? Let us have a return dinner then, Mrs Manners. You'll all come, I hope, children included — come and dine with me that day at the hall ?' 4 Not the little ones I think, Sir Hugh,' answered Mrs Manners, 'Noaeeu?e, let them all OQiae, Y;° u

would like to come wouldn't you, Dolly: I I'm not a little one, Hugh.' I 1 beg your pardon ; you're a middlini one, nren't you? Well Miss Pert, will yoi como.' ' No, I won't.' ' Poor Dolly,' answered Sir Hugh, wh( delighted in teasing her. ' She won' see the Christmas tree, then, I'm goinj to have down from town ou purpose She won't get a lovely present off th< branches, or a little pink wax candle Poor Dolly !1! 1 ' He's only teasing you, Dolly ; don'i mind him,' said Miss Williams, foi Dolly w as looking ready to cry. I ' I don't, said Dolly ; but Kir Hugh wai tired of it already. ' George,' said he, turning away, ' when do you go to Oldcastle ? I wan! you to do a little commission for me." •Come with me, Hugh instead, answered George. • I start to-morrow. ' Thank you, but I do not wish for anj more smoke just at present. I came foi a little fresh air to the country, and ] mean to try to inhale it.' • Sitting over the fire ?' said George with a smile. • I'm going to shoot wild ducks to> morrow,' answered Sir Hugh. ' Bui when will you be back ?' 'Yesterday week. New-year's eve. Come down, Hugh, and we'll sit out the old one,' said George. 1 We'll see ; but you'll do what I ask, won't you ? I want to get up something to please the young ladies.' • What will you get up really, Hugh, on New-year's day?' asked both Katie and Milly almost in a breath, running up to their cousin the moment he appeared in the drawing-room for tea. •It's a secret,' he answered, "and here's Dolly isn't coming at all. 1 •Oh ! but I am though,' replied Dolly. Miss Williams says you are only chaffing.' ' And what does Miss Williams mean by chaffing ?' said Sir Hugh, walking up to a low seat by the fire on which that young lady was sitting. • What Sir Hugh Manners does sometimes, I should say,' answered Miss Williams, smiling and fanning herself with a hand screen. • I've seen nothing of you to-day,' said Sir Hugh. 'No.' • I hope I shall though, this next week.' 1 You will be down here sometimes, I suppose ?' •Yes— and you walk out— sometimes, I suppose ?' ' Not much tins cold weather.' ' Doesn't it suit you ? You have been used to warmer climates, perhaps ?' ' I— l— have never been so far north before. • You've been abroad though ?' ' Yes— what makes you say that P' Sir Hugh gave a little shrug. 'What makes one know a hundred things,' he said, ' that one doesn't know, or shouldn't at least. Life is a strange teacher,' Miss Williams. ' One can learn its lessons iv different ways, it is said.' • Ay, to be sure. The good way and the bad. Is that what you mean ?' ' I mean that we see thinya pretty much through the colouring of our own minds, I thiuk.' ' You mean that a good man sees all things in a good light— even a fellow picking his pocket I presume.' 'You are too bad. 'I won't argue any more,' said Sir Hugh. 'They tell me you sing— come and sing a song for me ?' ' I would rather you asked Miss Manners to play. She plays beautifully.' ' I know. I know in fact all her per* formances by heart.' 'How is that?' 'I've heard them practiced. Didn't you know she lived all her life with my mother? But here is George. Well, Prince George, is the reverend governor asleep yet ?' ' Just about it,' replied George, • The way you and he were pitching into the old port was something terrible to a sickly man liki me. So you are not cominsr back for a week ? What shall we do to amuse ourselves, Miss Williams, while he is away ?' Goorgo Manners winced as his cousin, said this. • You'll be shooting, I suppose,' he said. I Sometimes, but a mm gets weary of one thing. I Khali como down and practice charades or whatever you oall them, with Mii<s Williams, hero, I think.' • Indeed.' ' Follow your example, my fine fellow. Lady Lilbourne was talking of getting up something of the sort last night. I'll ride over and keep her her up to the idea.' • You'd better ask Miss Williams first, hadn't you ?' I 1 have. You are quite agreeable arn't you, Miss Williams j*' 'Really, Sir Hugh, your had better state facts.' ' Well, are you'not. Would you not liko better now receiving the respectful admiration of— what shall I say — well, of the surrounding gentry than sitting cooped up in the schoolroom here, teaching my dear little cousin to read ?' Both George and Miss Williams laughed, as Sir Hugh said this. But the uext minute, with some decision of manner, Miss Williams said — ' Don't mention me, Sir Hugh, to Lady Lilbourne, if you talk of gettiug anything up, for I really am not going to act ' And then, rising from her seat, 'she went over to the couch on which Mrs Manners was sitting. ' I am glad you have come beside me my dear,' said that lady, making room for her. ' lam always glad to come,' answered Miss Williams. ' It's natural, of courie, that the young men should like to talk to you, 1 hesitated Mr*. Manners : ' but I don't think Adelaide likes it.' ' I— l am sorry.' ' She doseu't like Sir Hugh doiug it, at any rate— nor, I think,' added Mrs Manners, with a kindly smile, ' does George.' 1 I would be sorry to annoy him,' said Miss William*, with a blush. ' You like him, and no wonder. George is a young man you will not see in a thousand.' ' He is your favourite,' ' Yes. WeU, Georgie ?' For at this moment George Manners left his cou-in and croshed the room, and came up to the couch on which his stepmother and Mi*a Williams were sitting. 'We were junt talking of you.' continued Mrs Manners. ' Wers you abusing me S" said George •.nailing atid taking a seat by Mian William*' side. ' I am glad you are not going to act anymore,' he said in a low tone to her. ' Dou't let Hugh persuade you to do it.' ' You must not think that he could.' ' He is called a very fascinating man, you know, Amy.' ' I nhall have to take oare then,' said Miss Williams, laughing. ' Don't even say that— don't, child, I cannot endure it.' ' How can you be so foolish.' George gave a restless sigh. ' I wish I could not, he said. ' He admires your sitter, I think >'went on Miss Williams. ' I dont know — Adelaide thinks ,o — but I don't. By-the-bye, I won't see £you in the morning, I suppose ?' • What time do you start V ' Ever so early— in the six train." « £hen I'm afr^jd you will Hoi, 1

* I must go then, for I have an importint appointment at the office at ten ; so I shall have to nay good-bye to-night. Where are you off to, mother ?' ' I'm going to see after your father,' said Mrs Manners with a little nod. ' There goes a good woman, said George, looking after her as she left them • She is fond of you too, Amy ; sho won't make any objections, I think.' ' What do you mean ?' said Miss Williams, uneasily. ' Must I tell you now ? ' No, no, I don't want to hear anything — don't want to hear anything tonight. lam dreadfully tired.' ' Poor little woman.' 'I wonder if Sir Hugh is going soon. I wish he would, for I cannot sit up much longer.' 4 Stay a few minutes, unless you really wish to go.' ' I do really wish,' said MUs Williams, wearily, ' I caiitiot tell you how completely worn out I feel.' • I will open the door for you then,' said George, rising, 4 you need not say good night to the others.' They accordingly crossed the room together, and Georire oponed the door for her — then hesitated, but the moment afterwards he followed her out. 'I have como to say good-night and good-bye,' he said, addressing "her, for she had already begun to ascend the stairs, but she turned as he spoke, and •came back holding out her hand. ' Good night,' she said, ' good night, Mr Manners.' 4 Call me something else for onee — ; something that I may take] away with me' ' Good night, George.' 'Good night Amy,' Raid he, taking both her hands, good nijrht,"dear Amy.' 4 Well good night again,' said she, trying to release them. 'Not yet — stop one moment — you won't forget me all this week, will you?' ' Not quite I think.' ' You little tease!' And he stooped down and kissed her hands which she pulled quickly away and fled upstairs to her room. 1 Poor George,' she said when she got there. ' Poor — poor George !' (To be continued.)