smiles.

"No. I daren't do that on Christmas Day. What would the rector say? As
the lord of the manor I must set an example. On Boxing Day if you like."

"We will go alone?"

"Certainly. Who do you expect me to ask other than you?"

"Anne," said Daisy spitefully, and before he could reply she also moved
away to join the children. Giles winced. He felt that he was in the
wrong and had given his little sweetheart some occasion for jealousy. He
resolved to mend his ways and shun the too fascinating society of the
enchantress. Shaking off his moody feeling, he came forward to assist
Morley. The host was a little man, and could not reach the gifts that
hung on the topmost boughs of the tree. Giles being tall and having a
long reach of arm, came to his aid.

"That's right, that's right," gasped Morley, his round face red and
shining with his exertions, "the best gifts are up here."

"As the best gifts of man are from heaven," put in Mrs. Parry, with her
usual tact.

Morley laughed. "Quite so, quite so," he said, careful as was everyone
else not to offend the lady, "but on this occasion we can obtain the
best gifts. I and Ware and Mrs. Morley have contributed to the tree. The
children have their presents, now for the presents of the grown-ups."

By this time the children were gorged with food and distracted by many
presents. They were seated everywhere, many on the floor, and the room
was a chaos of dolls, trumpets, toy-horses, and drums. The chatter of
the children and the noise of the instruments was fearful. But Morley
seemed to enjoy the riot, and even his wife's grave face relaxed when
she saw her three precious jewels rosy with pleasure. She drew Anne's
attention to them, and the governess smiled sympathetically. Miss Denham
was popular with everyone save Daisy in that happy home.

Meantime Giles handed down the presents. Mrs. Morley received a chain
purse from her affectionate husband; Mrs. Parry a silver cream-jug,
which she immediately priced as cheap; Mrs. McKail laughed delightedly
over a cigarette-case, which she admitted revealed her favorite vice;
and the rector was made happy with a motor-bicycle.

"It has been taken to your house this evening," explained Morley. "We
couldn't put that on the tree. Ha! ha!"

"A muff-chain for Daisy," said Giles, presenting her with the packet,
"and I hope you will like it, dear."

"Did you buy it?" she asked, sparkling and palpitating.

"Of course. I bought presen