Without a word Octavia wrote a line and sent it by a servant. Several
minutes passed, and the gentlemen began to lay wagers on the success of
her trial. "He will not come for me, you may be sure," said Octavia. As
the words passed her lips he appeared.

A general laugh greeted him, but, taking no notice of the jests at
his expense, he turned to Octavia, saying quietly, "What can I do for
you, Cousin?"

His colorless face and weary eyes reproached her for disturbing him, but
it was too late for regret, and she answered hastily, "We are in want of
some new and amusing occupation to wile away the evening. Can you
suggest something appropriate?"

"Why not sit round the hall fire and tell stories, while we wait to see
the old year out, as we used to do long ago?" he asked, after a
moment's thought.

"I told you so! There it is, just what we want." And Sir Jasper looked
triumphant.

"It's capital--let us begin at once. It is after ten now, so we shall
not have long to wait," cried Rose, and, taking Sir Jasper's arm, she
led the way to the hall.

A great fire always burned there, and in wintertime thick carpets
and curtains covered the stone floor and draped the tall windows.
Plants blossomed in the warm atmosphere, and chairs and lounges
stood about invitingly. The party was soon seated, and Treherne was