n in
the most particular manner--as by a member of the family going in person
to fetch the invited guests. You understand?"

"Yes, I understand," said Le, smiling broadly with delight.

The sound of the breakfast bell put an end to the conversation, and the
whole party filed away to the breakfast table.

Immediately after breakfast Le set out in the "break"--a large, capacious,
covered cart, or carriage, capable of holding a dozen people, and drawn by
two strong draft horses.

Odalite mingled freely with the family that day, taking part in all the
preparations for the evening dance, and entering with ready interest into
all the children's schemes of enjoyment.

"Oh, isn't it jolly to have the house all to ourselves!" exclaimed
Wynnette, who, mounted on the top of a step-ladder, was engaged in twining
the mistletoe in and out among the branches of the chandelier that hung
from the center of the ceiling. "It is awfully jolly--I mean it is truly
comfortable--to have that scalawag--I mean that colonel--away. Odalite, I
hope you won't take it amiss, but I don't mind telling you that I always
felt crowded, not only while he was in the house, but even when he was in
the country. And, oh, I know I should feel as if I had ever so much more
room if he was off the face of this earth--in some other planet of some
other solar system."

Odalite looked all around the drawing room, and, seeing that she was alone
with her next sister, whispered:

"And I don't mind telling you, Wynnette, if you will keep it a profound
secret, that I entirely share your feelings."

"Oh--oh--oh! So them's your sentiments--I mean these are your feelings?
Well, I thought so. But to hear you say it!" exclaimed Wynnette.

"Do not speak of it to any one, dear," said Odalite.

"Why not? I should be proud to proclaim it on the housetop."

"Because, dear, no one could understand. They would think me a lunatic."

"Oh! And you don't mind telling me because I understand and will think you
sensible? Not to any extravagant extent I don't, though. I have not
considered you just level--I mean _compos mentis_--since you consented to
marry that puncheon--I mean officer. Hush! Here comes Jake!"

The negro entered, with an armful of holly, and the work went on in
silence.

By noon all the decorations were completed, the litter of leaves gathered
up, and the carpet covered with a tightly drawn linen cloth for the feet
of the dancers.

The family took an earl