“I would rather,” I replied. I gathered up all my parcels in my arms and prepared to leave the room.
“Just as you like, dear; but remember we go on the 24th to Hedgerow House.”
“On the 24th; yes, step-mother, thank you.”
I went upstairs.
Part 2, Chapter III.
Christmas in the Country.
After all, Christmas Eve was jolly. You may cherish a feud against the most innocent and good-natured person in the world with all your might and main; but unless you are specially wicked you cannot bring it into prominence when every one else around you is in the best of good spirits.
It was altogether a very merry party which started off by train from Liverpool Street en route for Hedgerow House. We seemed to have left cares of every sort behind us. The boys were absolutely unruly in their mirth. As to father, he elected to go in a smoking carriage. This was a very keen disappointment to Augusta. I saw her start from her seat as though she would accompany him; but not being invited—indeed, the Professor did not even see her—she sank back again and solaced herself by eating chocolates and reading a German book the whole way down.