their opinion many striking advantages. No
presents were given in the morning; it was enough excitement to know
that it was Christmas Day, and to linger over a late and luxurious
breakfast before going to church. There was something particularly
inspiring about the moment when the great congregation rose in the ivy-
decked church and burst into song--

"Hark, the herald angels sing,
Glory to the new-born King!"

Even Jill had a fleeting realisation that the true meaning of Christmas
was something quite apart from presents, and turkey, and plum-puddings,
while Betty's thoughts flew back to the day of her confirmation, and she
vowed herself anew to the service of the King. Jack sang the well-known
words with a new attention--"Christ the everlasting Lord;" this was the
same Christ who was General Digby's "Captain." "I am here to obey my
Captain's orders,"--the words rang in his ears, and he saw once more the
wonderful softening of the fierce old face. Miles did not sing at all;
his voice was still hoarse and broken, and his set expression gave
little clue to his feelings, but Pam's treble was clear and sweet, and
her little face shone with innocent fervour.

After church came a walk through the--well! It should have been "the
crisp cold air," but unfortunately the weather showed no sense of
propriety, and in reality it was as dank and cheerless a day as even
London itself can produce in mid-winter. As the advance guard in the
shape of Miles and Betty neared their own doorway, a dainty figure ran
down the steps, and there was Cynthia Alliot, blooming like a delicate
pink rose in the midst of the fog.

"You!" cried Betty in surprise, and then awkwardly attempted the
difficult task of introduction. "Er--this is my brother Miles! Miles--
this is--"

"The Pampered Pet!" interrupted Cynthia, laughing. Miles knit his brows
in the fashion he had when ill at ease, and mumbled an unintelligible
greeting, but Cynthia was not in the least embarrassed. She smiled at
him as frankly as if he had been another Betty, yet with a little air of
gracious dignity which is rarely found in girls of her age. She was
quite simple and unaffected, but one could never imagine her taking part
in the free-and-easy, slangy, unchivalrous intercourse which so often
prevails nowadays between girls and boys. She held herself like a
Queen, and silent Miles looked at her, and in the depths of his honest
heart vowed himself to her servic