"Shall we stop and see Mrs. Wills?" inquired the little girl, as they approached Westhill.
"No, not this afternoon, my dear. I should like to be home before dark, and the light is fading fast."
So they drove past Westhill, to the disappointment of Lilian, who had looked forward to a chat with Mrs. Wills. But, just beyond, Mrs. Coker pulled up to speak to an aged man, who, accompanied by a large, fierce-looking sheep-dog, was making his way slowly-towards the farm.
"It's Jeffry," she said to Lilian. "How are you, Jeffry?" she inquired.
"Quite well, thank you, ma'am," he replied. "I hope you and Miss Lilian are the same?"
"Yes, thank you," Mrs. Coker answered. "You are not to be at the entertainment on Christmas Eve, I understand," she proceeded. "Mrs. Wills told me, when I last saw her, that you had kindly offered to remain at home in order that the rest of the household may be at the schoolroom. You will not be forgotten, however; Mrs. Wills will bring you a present from the Christmas tree."
"Thank you, ma'am," said Jeffry. "Yes, I've promised to keep house during the others' absence," he went on; "the farmer doesn't like to lock up."
"You will have Wolf for company," remarked Lilian. "Is Wolf here?" she asked.
"Yes, missie," the old man replied. "Ah, he heard you mention his name! There he is, close to you, hoping you'll give him a word."
The dog had approached Lilian's side of the carriage, and was waiting with an expectant expression on his face for her to notice him. The little girl put out her hand and patted his rough head, speaking to him in endearing terms, whereupon, he licked the bare patch of skin between her glove and the sleeve of her jacket.