"Oh, isn't it jolly to have the house all to ourselves!" exclaimed Wynnette, who, mounted on the top of a step-ladder, was engaged in twining the mistletoe in and out among the branches of the chandelier that hung from the center of the ceiling. "It is awfully jolly--I mean it is truly comfortable--to have that scalawag--I mean that colonel--away. Odalite, I hope you won't take it amiss, but I don't mind telling you that I always felt crowded, not only while he was in the house, but even when he was in the country. And, oh, I know I should feel as if I had ever so much more room if he was off the face of this earth--in some other planet of some other solar system." Odalite looked all around the drawing room, and, seeing that she was alone with her next sister, whispered: "And I don't mind telling you, Wynnette, if you will keep it a profound secret, that I entirely share your feelings." "Oh--oh--oh! So them's your sentiments--I mean these are your feelings? Well, I thought so. But to hear you say it!" exclaimed Wynnette. "Do not speak of it to any one, dear," said Odalite. "Why not? I should be proud to proclaim it on the housetop." "Because, dear, no one could understand. They would think me a lunatic." "Oh! And you don't mind telling me because I understand and will think you sensible? Not to any extravagant extent I don't, though. I have not considered you just level--I mean _compos mentis_--since you consented to marry that puncheon--I mean officer. Hush! Here comes Jake!" The negro entered, with an armful of holly, and the work went on in silence. By noon all the decorations were completed, the litter of leaves gathered up, and the carpet covered with a tightly drawn linen cloth for the feet of the dancers. The family took an early dinner, and dressed to receive their juvenile company, who were expected to begin to arrive in the afternoon. Mrs. Anglesea, whose trunk came that morning from Forest Rest, arrayed herself gorgeously in a crimson brocaded satin, trimmed with black lace, necklace and bracelets of heavy California gold, and a brooch and earrings of burning carbuncles. "None o' your pale, sick pearls, or icy, chilly diamonds for me! I like gems with fire and color in 'em. I do!" she exclaimed, as she drew on a pair of yellow kid gloves over her plump hands, and sailed out of her room, to the great admiration of Luce, who was looking on. The ladies of the family made some difference in their usual home dress. Mrs. Force wore a navy-blue silk, with some fine lace on her neck and wrists, and no jewelry. Odalite wore a white cashmere, trimmed with white satin, a pearl necklace and earrings. Wynnette and Elva wore their bridesmaids' dresses, with a difference--Wynnette with a coral necklace and earrings, and Elva with a turquoise set. Miss Meeke wore a brown silk dress, with cameo ornaments. They were all assembled in the parlor by five o'clock, waiting for their guests, who came a few minutes later.