Giles remained where he was, his eyes fixed moodily on the ground. For more than five months he had fought against an ever-growing passion for the governess. He knew that he was in honor bound to marry Daisy, and that she loved him dearly, yet his heart was with Anne Denham. Her beauty, her brilliant conversation, her charm of manner, all appealed to him strongly. And he had a shrewd suspicion that she was not altogether indifferent to him, although she loyally strove to hide her true feelings. Whenever he became tender, she ruthlessly laughed at him: she talked constantly of Daisy and of her many charms, and on every occasion strove to throw her into the company of Giles. She managed to do so on this occasion, for Giles heard a rather pettish voice at his elbow, and looked down to behold a flushed face. Daisy was angry, and looked the prettier for her anger. "You have scarcely spoken to me all night," she said, taking his arm; "I do think you are unkind." "My dear, you have been so busy with the children. And, indeed," he added, with a grave smile, "you are scarcely more than a child yourself, Daisy." "I am woman enough to feel neglect." "I apologize--on my knees, dearest." "Oh, it's easy saying so," pouted Daisy, "but you know Anne----" "What about Miss Denham?" asked Giles, outwardly calm. "You like her." "She is a very charming woman, but you are to be my wife. Jealous little girl, can I not be ordinarily civil to Miss Denham without you getting angry?" "You need not be so _very_ civil." "I won't speak to her at all if you like," replied Ware, with a fine assumption of carelessness. "Oh, if you only wouldn't," Daisy stopped--then continued passionately, "I wish she would go away. I don't like her." "She is fond of you, Daisy." "Yes. And a cat is fond of a mouse. Mrs. Parry says----" "Don't quote that odious woman, child," interrupted Ware sharply. "She has a bad word for everyone." "Well, she doesn't like Anne." "Does she like anyone?" asked Giles coolly. "Come, Daisy, don't wrinkle your face, and I'll take you out for a drive in my motor-car in a few days." "To-morrow! to-morrow!" cried Daisy, her face wreathed in smiles. "No. I daren't do that on Christmas Day. What would the rector say? As the lord of the manor I must set an example. On Boxing Day if you like." "We will go alone?" "Certainly. Who do you expect me to ask other than you?" "Anne," said Daisy spitefully, and before he could reply she also moved away to join the children. Giles winced. He felt that he was in the wrong and had given his little sweetheart some occasion for jealousy. He resolved to mend his ways and shun the too fascinating society of the enchantress. Shaking off his moody feeling, he came forward to assist Morley. The host was a little man, and could not reach the gifts that hung on the topmost boughs of the tree. Giles being tall and having a long reach of arm, came to his aid.