Once again Mrs. Brenton turned back as she was going, and kissed Caroline. "For all reasons," she said, "I deeply regret that Camilla has not come to us to-night." It was a long time before Baby would be wooed into slumber, and even then Caroline did not like to leave her; not until she had assured herself that the child was sleeping deeply and tranquilly did she go into the other room. She only snatched a few moments to eat some supper. There was really so very much to do. An enormous parcel of costly things had been sent down by Camilla for the children, and every one in the house had brought a little offering. All these had to be ticketed and tied up. No ordinary sized stocking would hold what awaited the children, so large baskets had been made ready to put at the foot of each bed. On inquiring, Caroline found that Mr. Haverford had sent nothing up to the nursery as yet. After a while she dismissed the maid to go down to the servant's supper, and was busy scribbling and tying, when there came a knock at the door. "Come in," she called. As the door opened Rupert Haverford appeared. His arms were full of parcels as hers had been in the early afternoon. He was smiling, but Caroline quickly noticed that he looked tired, as if he were worried. "Mrs. Brenton said I might come up. I hope I am in time." "Oh yes," said Caroline with a laugh. "I am only just beginning to arrange things. Won't there be a scene to-morrow morning?" "Can't I help?" asked Mr. Haverford; "this seems far too much for one pair of hands to manage." As he disembarrassed himself of his burden he said, "And I particularly desire to have my share in making the children's Christmas a happy one this year, for they belong to me now in a sense." Caroline coloured. "Yes, I know;" it was almost unconsciously that she added, "and I am so glad." His eyes lit up and his lips took an eager expression. "Are you?'" he asked; "well, then I ought to be content, for do you know, Miss Graniger, I have been hearing nothing but delightful things about you. Mrs. Lancing cannot say enough in praise of you." "It is very good of her," said Caroline, and her voice was not very steady; "but she has to test me yet. She really knows so little about me." Haverford sat down to the table, and began to help her. They had to untie some of his packages to see which were the presents for the respective children. "I think some of these things will have to disappear after to-morrow," said Caroline; "already these little people have enough toys to stock a shop." It amused her to watch Rupert Haverford pack up and tie and direct as she commanded. He was so deliberate in all he did. Camilla would have lost her patience very quickly, but Caroline liked his slow ways. His parcels were so neat. Every now and then he stole into the bedroom to see if Baby was still sleeping.