When dinner was over they returned to the drawing-room, and their aunt produced some new games which she had been half over London to procure for them. They all gathered round the oval table, which stood in one corner, and quickly took up the idea of the game, Aunt Phyllis making one of them. Minnie was too young for what Hugh called its intricacies, and contented herself with dividing her attention in a threefold manner between her grandmother, her doll, and the cat. After tea they sang together, and the girls played a duet which they had practised for the occasion, finishing with some hymns in which all could join. "This has been a happy Christmas in spite of their being away," said Alice, sighing deeply, as they stood round the fire before going home. "And yet you sigh," said Hugh. "Yes," answered Alice; "I do wish they were here, and I do wonder how they are getting on; but all the same, I've had a happy day." "That's right, my dear," said Aunt Phyllis; "I am sure your dear parents would be glad to know it." They stood soberly thinking for a few minutes. Agnes's eyes resting on John's face with an earnest look. "For some things I wish they could know," she said at last. "So do I," said Alice; but Agnes noticed that John and Hugh said nothing. When they went home they found a fire in the dining-room, but Agnes proposed they should go at once to bed. "May I help you to lock up, instead of John?" asked Hugh. Agnes looked surprised, but said "Yes," though she would much have preferred her usual companion. The rest wished good night, and went upstairs, and Agnes and Hugh turned to the lower regions. When they came back to the warm lighted room, and Hugh had turned out the gas, he said hesitatingly. "Agnes, I'm afraid you will be very angry with me, very upset about it, but I never thought it was so wrong in me, or I am sure I should never have done it." "Done what, Hugh?" asked Agnes, trembling and trying to keep her voice natural. "I was out with Tom----" "Yes, Hugh. Don't be afraid to say, dear; only do tell me quick." "We were hungry, and we went in and had some lunch." "Well?" she said, feeling as if her heart would stand still, in her fear of she knew not what. "I was thirsty, and Tom said ginger-beer was ridiculous on Christmas-day, and he persuaded me----" "To do what?" asked Agnes. "To have a glass of beer," answered Hugh very low. "I saw no harm in it, as I had not signed; but John is awfully mad with me, and I've come to see that it was utterly horrid of me not to stand up against him." "So long as you are sorry," said Agnes with a bitter sigh. "Agnes, I am worse than sorry; I am dreadfully ashamed." "Nay, dear," she answered, rousing herself and putting her hand round him, "let it only draw you closer to Him who will forgive us if we ask." "I felt I could not look anyone in the face. Ought I to have told them?"