"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 were together in the drawing-room. "They have a very nice party at Noningsby."
"Your boy will be happy, I'm sure," said Lady Mason.
"And why not Lucius also?"
It was sweet in Lady Mason's ear to hear her son called by his Christian name. All these increasing signs of interest and intimacy were sweet, but especially any which signified some favour shown to her son. "This trouble weighs heavy on him," she replied. "It is only natural that he should feel it."
"Papa does not seem to think much of it," said Mrs. Orme. "If I were you, I would strive to forget it."
"I do strive," said the other; and then she took the hand which Mrs. Orme had stretched out to her, and that lady got up and kissed her.
"Dearest friend," said Mrs. Orme, "if we can comfort you we will." And then they sobbed in each other's arms.