’They are awfully musical here, and are always at carols or something, and that’s the only thing against them.  As to Gill, she is in clover, in raptures with every one, especially Mrs. Grinstead, and I think it is doing her good.—–­Your affectionate son,
                                                     J. R. M.’

(GILLIAN.)

’DEAREST MAMMA—–­All Christmas love, and a message to Phyllis that I almost forgive her desertion for the sake of the set of connections she has brought us, like the nearest and dearest relations or more, but Geraldine—–­for so she told me to call her—–­is still the choicest of all.  It is so pretty to see her husband—–­the great sculptor—–­wait on her, as if she was a queen and he her knight!  Anna told me that he had been in love with her ever so long, and she refused him once; but after the eldest brother died, and she was living at St. Wulstan’s, he tried again, and she could not hold out.  I told you of her charming house, so full of lovely things, and about Gerald, all cleverness and spirit, but too delicate for a public school.  He is such a contrast to Edward Harewood, a great sturdy, red-haired fellow, who is always about with Jasper, except when he—–­Japs, I mean—–­is with Emily Vanderkist.  She is the prettiest of the Vanderkists.  There are eight of them besides little Sir Adrian.  Mary always stays to look after her mother, who is in very bad health, and has weak eyes.  They call Mary invaluable and so very good, but she is like a homely little Dutchwoman, and nobody would think she was only twenty.  Sophy, the next to her, calls herself pupil-teacher to Mrs. William Harewood, and together they manage the schoolroom for all the younger sisters the two little girls at the Vicarage, and Wilmet, the only girl here at the Priory; but, of course, no lessons are going on now, only learning and rehearsing the parts, and making the dresses, painting the scenes, and learning songs.  They all do care so much about music here that I find I really know hardly anything about it, and Jasper says it is their only failing.

’They say Mr. Lancelot Underwood sings and plays better than any of them; but he is at Stoneborough.  However, he is coming over with all the Mays for our play, old Dr. May and all.  I was very much surprised to find he was an organist and a bookseller, but Geraldine told me about it, and how it was for the sake of the eldest brother—–­ “my brother,” they all say; and somehow it seems as if the house was still his, though it is so many years since he died.  And yet they are all such happy, merry people.  I wish I could let you know how delightful it all is.  Sometimes I feel as if I did not deserve to have such a pleasant time.  I can’t quite explain, but to be with Geraldine Grinstead makes one feel one’s self to be of a ruder, more selfish mould, and I know I have not been all I ought to be at Rockstone; but I don’t mind telling you, now you are so soon to be at home, Aunt Jane seems to worry me—–­I can’t tell how, exactly—–­while there is something about Geraldine that soothes and brightens, and all the time makes one long to be better.