"Well, what will you do?" continued Kate.
Matilda looked up at these words. If ever there was a look of concentrated hate on any face, it shone now on hers, as she returned Kate's glance.
"I will come," she said, in a low voice; under her breath she added, "If for no other reason than to spite you."
"Very well," said Cecil; "you promise to conform to the first condition?"
"Yes, yes."
"Oh, please say no more about that," interrupted Molly.
"The second condition," said Cecil, "is also essential to the happiness of the larger number of our party. Independent of you, Matilda, the party will consist of three girls and four boys; these seven individuals having, to a certain extent, the same tastes, the same aims in life, the same aspirations. Now, while with us, you, who are in the minority, are on all occasions to submit to the vote of the majority. During this holiday, which but for you would be perfectly delightful, our wishes are to be carried out, not yours. Do you agree to this?"
"Yes, yes—I must!"
"I think that is all," said Cecil. "Isn't it, Kate?"
"Yes, that is all," answered Kate; "only if Matilda still wishes to stay at St. Dorothy's during Christmas vacation, she can do so."