"If it wasn't for the music-hall songs," assented her husband, looking out of his window. "Wonder if there'll be skatin'."
"I daresay. I hope so. I love skating."
"'Cause you can show off."
"We have each our little vanities, Jim," said Lady Jim, whom hope made good-humoured. "There's the church--what a pretty old building, and how well the snow contrasts with the red roof and the ivy!"
"We have to go there on Christmas Day," gloomed Kaimes.
"We must show an example to the lower orders," explained Leah, in her British-matron tone. "Besides, Lionel preaches."
"How awful! Why has the Duke put him in the bill?"
"Mr. Dane, the vicar, is ill, and asked Lionel to fill the pulpit. The Duke has nothing to do with it."
"Wish I had," grumbled Jim. "I'd have the sermon cut out."
"You'd have the church turned into a music-hall, I daresay," retorted his wife, contemptuously. "But you must be as nice as you know how to Lionel. Remember, he promised to speak to the Duke."