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Christmas doings at the Cleeve were not very gay. There was no visitor there, except Lady Mason, and it was known that she was in trouble. It must not, however, be supposed that she constantly bewailed herself while there, or made her friends miserable by a succession of hysterical tears. By no means. She made an effort to be serene, and the effort was successful—as such efforts usually are. On the morning of Christmas-day they duly attended church, and Lady Mason was seen by all Hamworth sitting in the Cleeve pew. In no way could the baronet's friendship have been shown more plainly than in this, nor could a more significant mark of intimacy have been given;—all which Sir Peregrine well understood. The people of Hamworth had chosen to talk scandal about Lady Mason, but he at any rate would show how little attention he paid to the falsehoods that there were circulated. So he stood by her at the pew door as she entered, with as much deference as though she had been a duchess; and the people of Hamworth, looking on, wondered which would be right, Mr. Dockwrath or Sir Peregrine.

After dinner Sir Peregrine gave a toast. 'Lady Mason, we will drink the health of the absent boys. God bless them! I hope they are enjoying themselves.'

'God bless them!' said Mrs. Orme, putting her handkerchief to her eyes.

'God bless them both!' said Lady Mason, also putting her handkerchief to her eyes. Then the ladies left the room, and that was the extent of their special festivity. 'Robert,' said Sir Peregrine immediately afterwards to his butler, 'let them have what port wine they want in the servants' hall—within measure.'

'Yes, Sir Peregrine.'

'And, Robert, I shall not want you again.'

'Thank you, Sir Peregrine.'

From all which it may be imagined that the Christmas doings at the Cleeve were chiefly maintained below stairs.

'I do hope they are happy,' said Mrs. Orme, when the two ladies