‘You don’t mean that is Tom Madison!’ exclaimed Clara.  ’Why, it is like copper-plate.  No more Fitsgoslings!’

’No, indeed!  Is he not a clever fellow?  He has just reached the stage of civilization that breaks out in dictionary words.  I have been, in return, telling him the story of the Irish schoolmaster who puzzled the magistrate’s bench by a petition about a small cornuted animal, meaning a kid.  But I should think it would be very edifying to Charlotte to see herself commemorated as the individual at the Terrace, and his grandfather as his aged relative.  He sends the old man ten shillings this time, for he is promoted.  Don’t you think I may be proud of him?  Is Mary gone home?  She must hear about him.’

As he turned away in search of Mary, Clara felt a soft hand on her shoulder, and Isabel beckoned her to follow into the back drawing-room, where the tree was burnt out and deserted.

‘I may thank you,’ said Isabel, in a low, sweet voice, pressing her hand.

‘And Jem,’ said Clara; ‘he thought of it first.’

’It is the most beautiful Christmas gift; but I do not like for you to part with it, my dear.’

’We both wished it, and grandmamma gave leave.  We longed for you to have something we prized like this, for it belonged to my mamma.  It is Jem’s present too, for he went out and bought the black velvet.’

‘Clasp it on for me, dear Clara.  There!’ and Isabel kissed the fingers which obeyed.  ‘It shall never leave my arm.’

Clara’s face burnt with surprise and pleasure amounting to embarrassment, as Isabel expressed hopes of meeting again, and engaged her to write from school.  She looked for her brother to take his share of thanks; but he was determinately doing his duty in cutting chicken and cake for those who desired supper, and he did not come in their way again till all the guests were gone, and good-night and good-bye were to be said at once.

Lady Conway was warm in expressing her hopes that Walter would enjoy the same advantages another holidays, and told Mr. Dynevor she should write to him.  But Jem made little answer, nothing like a promise.  Clara thought he had become stiff from some unknown affront, perhaps some oppressive present, for he seemed to intend to include all the young ladies in one farewell bow.  But Isabel advanced with outstretched hand and flushing cheek, and her murmured ‘Thank you’ and confiding pressure drew from him such a grasp as could not easily be forgotten.

Clara’s heart was all the lighter because she was sure that Fitzjocelyn had forgiven, and, what was more, forgotten.  She had spoken naturally to him once more, and was ready for anything now—­ even though they had missed all confidential discussions upon school.

She gave Charlotte Tom Madison’s letter.  The little maiden took it, and twirled it about rather superciliously.  ’What business had my young Lord,’ she thought, ’to fancy she cared for that poor fellow?  Very likely he was improved, and she was glad of it, but she knew what was genteel now.  Yes, she would read it at once; there was no fear that it would make her soft and foolish—­she had got above that!’