"But I haven't any Christmas tree!"
.......
"You'll fetch one? How dear of you! We'll trim it—with your roses—make it bloom. Come early and help me dress the tree."
Two hours later he opened the door into his breakfast-room with the guiltiness of a truant boy. He wore culprit shame written all over his face, and the young man who stood waiting for him in the window might almost have read his friend's dejection in his embarrassed face.
But Waring came eagerly forward, answered the season's greetings, and said quickly:
"Are you still in the same mind about the West, Mr. Bulstrode?"
(Poor Bulstrode!)
"I mean to say, sir, if you still feel like giving me this chance, I've a favor to ask. Would you let me go alone?"
Bulstrode gasped.
"Since last night a lot has happened to me, not only since you've befriended me, but since I tussled with that fellow here. I'd like a chance to see what I can do alone. If you, as you so generously plan, go with me, I shall feel watched—protected. It will weaken me more than anything else. I suppose I shall go all to pieces, but I'd like to try my strength. If I could suddenly master that chap with my fists after months of dissipation——"