Agnes Brenton did not answer at once, and then she said—
"You have never heard from Mrs. Baynhurst?"
The girl shook her head, and then laughed again.
"Oh no, I never expected to. I dare say Mr. Haverford has tried to make her speak, but I shall be very much surprised if he gets anything out of her."
"I am quite sure he will have tried," said Mrs. Brenton warmly.
"Oh!" said Caroline, "he must have so many things to think about just now. I expect he has forgotten all about me."
On Christmas Eve Mrs. Brenton handed over the completion of the decorations to Caroline. People were arriving all day.
Towards the afternoon Betty fell into a state of great consternation. They had run out of gold and silver paper, and there were any amount of other little things that had been forgotten.
Caroline rose to the occasion.
"Look here, sweetheart, I'll tell you what I will do. I will ask Mrs. Brenton if I may go and get everything for you."