mes to go to. They are the ones we have to
entertain, and it's silly, because they are so tired of girls that we
are the last people they wish to see. Mrs Vanburgh is different--she's
married, and is more interesting. Mother says she's sorry, but there
are a dozen poor ladies who have a greater claim on us--father's
patients, and so on--and what can I do by myself?" She sighed, and
raised her eyes in a meek, resigned fashion to the cornet of the
ceiling. "It's not for want of will, or want of thought I lay awake for
quite half an hour worrying about it one night!"

"Send them a Christmas card, and be done with it," cried Jill callously.
"You can get beauties for a halfpenny at the little sweet shop round
the corner. I'll sell you one I bought yesterday. Convolvulus, and
`May all your hours be filled with joy.' Just the thing you want!"

Betty's lip curled in disdain.

"So appropriate, isn't it? So likely to be true!"

"All the more reason to wish for it," maintained Jill pertly. "What's
the good of wishing if you don't wish something nice? You don't want to
take for granted that she is going on mumping and grumping all next
year. Something nice might happen to her, as well as to anyone else."

"Quite right, quite right! Always expect the best, and prepare for the
worst," cried the General heartily. "Now, I've a suggestion to make!
There's a big concert advertised to take place in the Albert Hall on the
afternoon of Boxing Day. Some friends of mine who are wandering abroad
have a box there which is at my disposal when I choose to use it. I'm
not going with you, mind--none of your governesses for me!--but I'll
give you the tickets, and you can make up a happy party, and get rid of
some of your responsibilities, at least. How does that idea strike you,
Miss Betty--eh, what?"

"Oh, I--I love it! You _are_ sweet!" gushed Betty fervently. A box!
The Albert Hall! Herself the head of the party, the gracious dispenser
of favours--it was almost too ecstatic to be believed! "The two
governesses, Cynthia and myself, Miles, because he loves music, and we
want someone to bring us home, and father, if he has time, for Miles
won't come if he is the only male. That would be a delightful party!"
she decided. There were points, after all, about being left "in
charge?"

CHAPTER FOURTEEN.

CHRISTMAS PRESENTS.

The Trevors' programme on Christmas Day differed from those of their
friends, and possessed in