Thanksgiving vacation. She slowed up as she reached her destination,
and waited a little before going in--she wanted to get calmed down a
bit, for she didn't want her friend to see her when she felt so "riled
up." Back of it was a secret reluctance to meet Jack--he was so
different since the Gipsy Smith revival; of course, he was perfectly
lovely, and unchanged toward her, but--somehow, she felt uncomfortable
in his presence--and she didn't enjoy having her self-satisfaction
disturbed.

As she entered the dining-room, she was greeted with exclamations of
surprise and pleasure.

"Why, Marcia!" said Aunt Sophia; "we had given you up! I almost never
knew of your being late in keeping an appointment."

"You must excuse me, Auntie; and lay this offense to the charge of our
Sunday school superintendent," answered Marcia.

"I suppose Mr. Robinson is laying his plans for Christmas," remarked
Uncle John. "He believes in taking time by the forelock--and a very
commendable habit it is, too."

"Yes," answered Marcia laconically.

Jack glanced at her keenly. "Is there anything new in the Christmas
line?" he asked.

The gray eyes grew black, and the red spots burned again, as Marcia
replied: "Well, I should think so--he proposes to turn things
topsy-turvy!"