ning out the letters and calling out the names on the
envelopes.

"Asplin, Asplin, Saville, Asplin, Saville, Saville, Miss Peggy Saville,
Miss Mellercent Asplin, Miss Saville, Miss M. Saville, Miss Peggy
Saville."

So the list ran on, with such a constant repetition of the same name
that Max exclaimed in disgust, "Who _is_ this Miss Peggy Saville that we
hear so much about? She's a greedy thing, whoever she may be;" and
Mellicent whined out, "I wish I had been at a boarding-school! I wish
my relatives lived abroad. There will be none left for me by the time
she has finished." Then Arthur thrust forward his mischievous face, and
put in a stern inquiry--

"Forbes! Where's that registered letter? That letter with the
hundred-pound note. Don't say you haven't got it, for I know better.
Hand it over now, without any more bother."

The old postman gave a chuckle of amusement, for this was a standing
joke renewed every Christmas that Arthur had spent at the vicarage.

"'Tasn't come ter-day, Muster Saville. Missed the post. 'Twill be
coming ter-morrer morning certain!"

"Forbes!" croaked Arthur solemnly. "Reflect! You have a wife and
children. This is a serious business. It's ruin, Forbes, that's what
it is. R-u-i-n, my friend! Be advised by me, and give it up. The
hundred pounds is not worth it, and besides I need it badly. Don't
deprive a man of his inheritance!"

"Bless yer rart, I'd bring it yer with pleasure rif I could! Nobody'd
bring it quicker ran I would!" cried Forbes, who like everyone else
adored the handsome young fellow who was always ready with a joke and a
kindly word. "It's comin' for the Noo Year, sir. You mark my words.
There's a deal of luck waitin' for yer in the Noo Year!"

Arthur's laugh ended in a sigh, but he thanked the old man for his good
wishes, tipped him even more lavishly than usual, and followed his
companions to the drawing-room to examine their treasures.

Parcels were put on one side to await more leisurely inspection, but
cards and letters were opened at once, and Rob seated himself by Peggy's
side as she placed the pile of envelopes on a table in the corner.

"We are partners, you know," he reminded her, "so I think I am entitled
to a share in these. What a lot of cards! Who on earth are the
senders?"

"My godfathers, and my godmothers, and all my relatives and friends.
The girls at school and some of the teachers. This fat one is from
`Buns'--Miss Baker