"'St. Agnes' Eve--ah, bitter chill it was! The owl for all his feathers was a-cold; The hare limp'd trembling through the frozen grass And silent was the flock in woolly fold----'" Molly had just repeated the last line over, too absorbed to notice the advancing figure through the pine trees, except sub-consciously to see that it was a girl. "Ah, here's the holly," she exclaimed. "'Numb were the beadsman's fingers----'" She knelt on the frozen ground and began cutting off branches with the penknife. "I suppose you are rather surprised to see me, aren't you?" Molly looked up. It was Judith Blount. "Why, where did you come from, Judith?" she asked. "Didn't you go up to New York Friday, after all?" "I was supposed to, but I didn't. I am staying down in the village at the Inn. I may go this afternoon. I haven't decided yet. To tell the truth, I am not very anxious to see my family. Papa--isn't at home and Richard and mamma are rather gloomy company. I think I'd rather spend Christmas almost anywhere than with them, this year." "But your mother, Judith," exclaimed Molly, shocked at Judith's lack of feeling, "doesn't she need you now more than ever?" "Why?" demanded Judith suspiciously. "What do you know of my affairs?" "I happen to know a great deal," answered Molly, "since they have a good deal to do with my own affairs." "Why, what do you mean?" "Now, Judith," went on Molly, "this is Christmas and we won't quarrel about our misfortunes. Whatever mine are, it's not your fault. I'm gathering some holly to decorate for Otoyo and me. Won't you help me?" "No, thanks," answered the other coldly. "I don't feel much like Christmas this year," she burst out, after a pause. "I'm seeing my last of college now, unless I choose to stay under certain conditions--and I won't--I won't," she repeated, stamping her foot fiercely on the frozen earth, which gave out a rhythmic sound under the blow. "Queen's is bad enough, but if I am to descend to a room over the post-office after this semester, I'd--I'd rather die!" she added furiously. "We're in the same box," thought Molly. "I can appreciate how she feels, poor soul. I was just about as bad myself at first." "Do you blame me?" went on the unhappy Judith. "Through no fault of mine I've had troubles heaped on me all winter--first one and then another. I have had to suffer for another person's sins; to be crushed into a nobody; taken from my rightful place and shoved off first into one miserable little hole and then another. I tell you I don't think it's fair--it's unkind--it's cruel!" Molly was not accustomed to hear people pity themselves. She had been brought up to regard it as an evidence of cowardice and low breeding.