You need not come
home till eight o'clock, if it is moonlight, it the boys are
disengaged, and if you do really wish to keep out of the way.'
Jasper's eyes fell under hers.
'Mamma, I don't want that.'
'Only you said more than you meant, Japs. If it relieves your mind, it
hurts other people. But I do want the note taken, so go and come back
in time for the sports; which I don't think you will find much
damaged.'
Meantime, Aunt Jane had ensconced herself behind the curtains; where
she admitted no one but Miss Vincent and Uncle Reginald, and in process
of time, mamma and Macrae. The others were still fully employed in
garnishing the tree, though it was only to bear lights, ornaments and
sweets. All solid articles had been for some time past committed to a
huge box, or ottoman, the veteran companion of the family travels,
which stood in the centre of the bay. Into its capacious interior
everybody had been dropping parcels of various sizes and shapes, with
addresses in all sorts of hands, which were to find their destination
on this great evening. This was part of the mystery that kept Mysie
and Valetta in one continual dance and caper. It was all they could do
not to peep between the curtains when the privileged mortals went in
and out, bearing all sorts of mysterious loads well covered up from all
eyes. Wilfred did make one attempt, but something extraordinary
snapped at his nose, with a sharp crack, and drove him back with a
start.
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