reply. As a matter of interest, let me state that I am
not in the least alarmed at your threat, for only a coward would ever
attempt to bully a girl."

With these words Grace moved quickly away, leaving Mr. Henry Hammond to
digest her answer as best he might.

CHAPTER X

CHRISTMAS WITH JUDGE

It was Christmas Eve, and the great soft flakes of snow that fell
continuously gave every indication of a white Christmas. The north wind
howled and blustered through the tree tops, making the judge and his
young guests congratulate themselves on being safely sheltered from the
storm.

The day had been clear and cold, and the entire party had driven on
bob-sleds to the strip of woods just outside the town, where the boys
had cut down a Christmas tree, and had brought it triumphantly home,
while the girls had piled the sleds with evergreens and ground pine. On
the return a stop had been made at the market, and great quantities of
holly had been bought. Even the sprig of mistletoe for the chandelier in
the hall had not been forgotten.

"We'll hurry up and get everything ready before the judge comes in,"
planned Grace. "We'll put this mistletoe right here, and Nora, you must
see to it that you lead him over until he stands directly under it. Then
we will all surround him. Miriam, will you tell Miss Putnam? We want her
to be in it, too."

The young folks worked untiringly and a little before five the last
trail of ground pine was in place, and the decorators stood back and
reviewed their work with pride.

The great hall and drawing room had been transformed into a veritable
corner of the forest, and the red holly berries peeping out from the
green looked like little flame-colored heralds of Christmas. Here and
there a poinsettia made a gorgeous blot of color, while on an
old-fashioned mahogany what-not stood an immense bowl of deep-red roses,
the joint contribution of the Phi Sigma Tau.

"It looks beautiful," sighed Jessica, "we really ought to feel proud of
ourselves."

The entire party was grouped about the big drawing room.

"I am always proud of myself," asserted Hippy. "In the first place there
is a great deal of me to be proud of; and in the second place I don't
believe in hiding my light under a bushel."

"Now Jessica, you have started him," said David with a groan. "He'll
talk about himself for an hour unless Reddy and I lead him out."

"I dare you to lead me out," defied Hippy.

"I never take a dare,