“And we thought Severndale a model home.  A well-conducted establishment.  Yet the very first time we come out here we find even the cows with a jag on that a confirmed toper couldn’t equal if he tried, and yet you pose as a model young woman, Peggy Stewart, and are accepted in all good faith as our Captain Polly’s friend.  Watch out, Little Mother.  Watch out.  We can’t let our little Captain visit where even the cows give way to such disgraceful performances.”

Poor Peggy was incapable of defending herself for she and Polly had laughed until they were weak, and for many a long day after Peggy heard of her tipsy cows.

When peace once more descended upon the land it was almost time for the visitors to return to Annapolis, but before departing they visited the paddock, the stables, and the beautiful old colonial house.  And so ended Wheedles’ birthday, and the next excitement was caused by the Army-Navy game to which Peggy went with Mrs. Harold’s party, enjoying the outing as only a girl whose experiences have been limited, and who is ready for new impressions, can enjoy.  And with the passing of the game November passed also and before she knew it Christmas was upon her, and Christmas hitherto for Peggy had meant merely gifts from Daddy Neil and a merrymaking for the servants.  Without manifesting undue curiosity Mrs. Harold had learned a good deal concerning Peggy’s life and nothing she had learned had touched her so deeply as the loneliness of the holiday season for the young girl.  It seemed to her the most unnatural she had ever heard of, and something like resentment filled her heart when she thought of Neil Stewart’s unconscious neglect of his little daughter.  She argued that his failing to appreciate that he was neglectful did not excuse the fact, and she resolved that this year Peggy should spend the holidays with her and Polly at Wilmot, and the servants at Severndale could look to their own well-being.  Nevertheless, Peggy laid her plans for the pleasure of the Severndale help and saw to it that they would have a happy time under Harrison’s supervision.  Then Peggy betook herself to Wilmot for the happiest Christmastide she had ever known.

The holiday season at the Academy is always a merry one, but until very recently, there has been no Christmas recess and the midshipmen had to find amusement right in the little old town of Annapolis, or within the Academy’s limits.  The frolicking begins with the Christmas eve hop given by the midshipmen.

Mrs. Harold had not allowed Polly to attend the hops given earlier in the winter, for she was a wise woman and felt that social diversions of that nature were best reserved for later years, when school-days were ended.  But she made an exception at the Christmas season, when Polly in common with other girls, had a holiday, and Peggy and Polly would go to the hop.