Christmas was a gay day at the New Hotel, and nobody was left out in the general fun. The whole place was decorated with greenery—trailers of giant smilax twenty feet long, making the task of decoration easy. They were wreathed round the balusters of the staircase and festooned overhead in the dining-room, the waiters and maids got “tips,” and were more smiling than ever, whilst guests exchanged greetings and little gifts, and the table reproduced the typical fare of England—turkey, roast beef, and plum puddings all aflame! There was tennis in the afternoon, and dancing for the young people in the evening; and Effie for the first time went down to the billiard-room, and Miss Adene kindly interested herself in getting partners for her amongst some of the visitors from the houses on the island, who had come to join the fun. Miss Adene had several acquaintances in Madeira, and many persons had called upon Lady Dumaresq and her husband. Sheila from being much with them had received invitations to go out with them; and at first the girl had accepted, not knowing how to refuse. This had been another cause of offence; and now Miss Adene was good-naturedly seeking to induce their friends to call upon the Cossarts; and Mrs. Cossart had been made happy to-night by an invitation for New Year’s Eve to one of the biggest quintas in the island, where there would be a grand entertainment, culminating in a giant display of fireworks, which display, they heard, would be universal all over the island. For it was the custom in Madeira to welcome in the New Year by a perfect storm of fireworks. Even the poorest of the people spent their little savings in a few squibs or crackers. Every child who had a “bit” to spend laid it out in fireworks. Miss Adene said it was the most curious sight possible—the whole island, as far as the eye could see, alight and ablaze; for as the quintas and smaller houses ran right up into the hills to a considerable height, and extended far on either side, the panorama of coloured lights was something unique. “Isn’t it nice that we have been asked to the big party?” asked Effie that night. “Not that I care so very much about parties, but I like to see all that is characteristic of a place. I suppose you were asked too, Sheila?” “Why, yes,” answered Sheila gleefully; but Mrs. Cossart, who was in the room, said coldly— “I am not sure about your going, Sheila.” “Oh, aunt! Why not?” “I am not sure that it is suitable; a big party like that, and your father not a year dead. I don’t know if it is seemly.”