Michael, who had given his undivided attention to this last remark, knew in an instant. He had no need to guess. Not feeling inclined to rouse the curiosity of the other two, however, he merely shook his head, and apparently returned to the study of his map. It was at this juncture that the scourge came into requisition. He was silent, he knew he should not take much part in the rest of the conversation. Roger, who was also, to some extent, a friend of the little Johnsons, now inquired with interest who the ‘new person’ was. ‘Well, you’d never guess, if you tried for a week,’ said the innocent old gentleman, beaming triumphantly upon them through his spectacles; ‘so I may as well tell you. It is Miss Askam of Thorsgarth—Otho’s sister.’ ‘Of course it was,’ thought Michael; and he was conscious that Roger in expressing his own astonishment, shot a quick glance at him, Michael. He managed to conjure up a look which, accompanied by raised eyebrows, and a murmured ‘dear me!’ formed a very fair imitation of surprise. He envied Roger’s unaffected interest and astonishment. ‘I have such a thorough contempt for all that lot,’ went on Dr. Rowntree, ‘that if I had known Miss Askam was going to be there last night, nothing would have induced me to go. I’ve had many lessons on the folly of being prejudiced and pig-headed, but I believe I am occasionally a little inclined that way—eh, what?’ He looked sharply at Roger, who merely laughed and said, ‘Go on. When are you coming to Miss Askam?’ ‘Well, at once. I turned in unexpectedly, about half-past seven, last night. I wanted to see Mrs. Johnson about my Christmas-tree. You know the children always have a Christmas-tree at my house. I was shown into the sitting-room, and there I found them. Mrs. Johnson was actually sitting by the fire, reading—would you believe it?—reading a novel. And Miss Askam was at the table playing “commerce” with _all_ of them. There wasn’t one left out. And they had candies for a pool. I was so astounded that I hardly knew what to make of it, and stood there looking quite foolish. However, I was presented to the lady, and she invited me to join the game; but of course I had come on other business.’ He paused. Roger did not vex Michael by looking at him. But he instinctively understood that Michael did not wish to take any part in this conversation. He therefore said, ‘Well?’ ‘Well, Mrs. Johnson and I had a little conversation—about the Christmas-tree, of course—in another room. Naturally, she mentioned Miss Askam, and how they had become acquainted. She says Miss Askam is an angel, and that she has done more than any one else to reconcile her to her position here—of the poor lady struggling amongst rich acquaintances, without a real friend in the lot.’