“But why? Aunt Elfrida will have no objection. She likes me. She liked our engagement, before any one came between us,” said Le, growing uneasy and very thoughtful.
“Yes, I know she loves you, Le, and liked our engagement. And, of course, all will be right! But, still, I would rather that you should speak to my mother,” persisted the girl, with a dark foreshadowing of evil which she could not shake off.
“Well, love, I will have a talk with Aunt Elfrida to-night,” said Le, with a laugh.
“No, no, not to-night. We shall be in the drawing room, engaged in some Christmas games for the children. Do not take her away from the family circle to-night. To-morrow will do quite as well. You can talk to her after breakfast,” pleaded Odalite, with a shudder she could not control.
“You are cold,” said Le. “I have kept you out too long. Come, let us go home. I will speak to Aunt Elfrida in the morning.”
They turned and walked homeward under the moonlight, wintry sky, along the shore, then up the wooded hill, through the lawn and on to the house, the whole front of which was brilliantly lighted from within in honor of the holy, festive season.
They entered, and threw off their wraps in the hall, just as the tea bell rang.
A merry party assembled around the table, upon which every suitable Christmas dainty was spread.
After tea the family and guests, with the new addition of Dr. Ingle—who dropped in, as usual—gathered in the drawing room, and engaged in merry games, in which they spent the Christmas evening.