making a pretty group as they stood in each other's arms, all talking at
once, with frequent kisses and little bursts of laughter, as vents for
their emotion. Madame Mere welcomed them and then went to join Mrs.
Snowdon, leaving the trio to gossip unrestrained.

"My dearest creature, I thought we never should get here, for Papa had a
tiresome dinner party, and we were obliged to stay, you know," cried
Rose, the lively sister, shaking out the pretty dress and glancing at
herself in the mirror as she fluttered about the room like a butterfly.

"We were dying to come, and so charmed when you asked us, for we haven't
seen you this age, darling," added Blanche, the pensive one, smoothing
her blond curls after a fresh embrace.

"I'm sorry the Ulsters couldn't come to keep Christmas with us, for we
have no gentlemen but Jasper, Frank Annon, and the major. Sad, isn't
it?" said Octavia, with a look of despair, which caused a fresh peal
of laughter.

"One apiece, my dear, it might be worse." And Rose privately decided to
appropriate Sir Jasper.

"Where is your cousin?" asked Blanche, with a sigh of sentimental
interest.

"He is here, of course. I forget him, but he is not on the flirting
list, you know. We must amuse him, and not expect him to amuse us,
though really, all the capital suggestions and plans for merrymaking
always come from him."