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 presents both for you and Miss Denham.
Here is yours," he added, turning to the governess, who grew rosy, "a very simple bangle.
I wish it were more worthy of your acceptance," and he handed it with a bow.
Daisy, her heart filled with jealousy, glided away.
Giles saw her face, guessed her feeling, and followed.
In a corner he caught her, and placed something on her finger.
"Our engagement ring," he whispered, and Daisy once more smiled.
Her lover smiled also. But his heart was heavy. _____
CHAPTER II
AN ANONYMOUS LETTER
After the riot of the evening came the silence of the night.
The children departed amidst the stormy laughter of Morley, and it was Anne's task to see that the triplets were put comfortably to bed.
She sat in the nursery, and watched the washing and undressing and hair-curling, and listened to their joyous chatter about the wonderful presents and the wonderful pleasures of that day.
Afterwards, when they were safely tucked away, she went down to supper and received the compliments of Morley on her capability in entertaining children.
Mrs. Morley also, and in a more genuine way, added her quota of praise.
"You are my right hand, Miss Denham," she said, with a smile in her weary blue eyes. "I don't know what I shall do without you."
"Oh, Miss Denham is not going," said the master of the house.
"Who knows?" smiled Anne. "I have always been a wanderer, and it may be that I shall be called away suddenly."