] Jolly good sport, too!

_Matt._ I'm not sure that we haven't even better sport here----

_Renie._ [_Coming to him._] Sport? What sport? can we join?

_Matt._ That's just what I was going to propose. There are four of you
here, who heard Mr. Pilcher's excellent discourse last night. And you
are all determined to turn over a new leaf this year. Isn't that so?

_Dolly._ Yes!

_Harry._ I know I am.

_Matt._ Mrs. Sturgess?

_Renie._ Yes, indeed!

_Matt._ Lucas, you?

_Lucas._ Yes, Uncle.

_Matt._ On the first of January next, I am prepared to put a sovereign
in that money-box for every one of you who can honestly declare that he
has broken himself or herself of his bad habits during the year.

_Lucas._ I say, not all our bad habits?

_Matt._ H'm. I don't wish to be exacting--I've no doubt each of you has
his own little failing or weakness. Well, come to me and say on your
honour that you've conquered this or that pet special weakness--and in
goes my sovereign.

_Lucas._ You don't really mean it?

_Matt._ Indeed I do. I hope you won't stand out and--spoil sport, eh?

_Lucas._ Oh, I don't mind coming in--just for the lark of the thing.

_Matt._ Then you all agree?

_Dolly._ Oh yes.

_Harry._ Certainly.

_Matt._ Mrs. Sturgess?

_Renie._ We don't know where we may be next Christmas.

_Dolly._ You'll be here with us. I invite you on the spot. You accept?

_Renie._ Yes, delighted, if my husband----

_Prof._ Very pleased.

_Matt._ Well, Mr. Pilcher, I think I've made your Blanket Club a very
handsome offer.

_Pilcher._ Very handsome. [_Taking out watch._] I hope our friends will
cordially respond, for the sake of my Blanket Club.

_Dolly._ You'll stay for a cup of tea?

_Pilcher._ I've heaps of New Year's calls to make. I'm afraid I must be
going; good afternoon, Professor!

_Prof._ Good afternoon.

_Pilcher._ Good afternoon, Telfer.

_Harry._ Good afternoon.

_Pilcher._ Good-bye, Mrs. Sturgess.

_Renie._ Good-bye. So many thanks for your eloquent sermon.

[_Shaking hands._

_Pitcher._ Now, was I eloquent? I suppose I was, since I've produced
such an invigorating New Year atmosphere.

[RENIE _moves her French novel._

_Matt._ And brought Lucas over from Aldershot in the snow!

_Lucas._ Rather! I shall come again next year.

[_Shaking hands._

_Pilcher._ Do. And then we shall be able to estimate the effect of my
eloquence.

_Matt._ [_Tapping the money-box._] We