CHAPTER XIV.
As he walked into his bedroom, which was pleasantly warm--for there was a good fire, and the curtains across the three windows were closely drawn--Dr.Panton told himself that he was indeed beginning the New Year very well.
Half-an-hour ago the whole party, with the exception of Miss Burnaby, who had gone to bed at her usual time, had stood outside the front door under the starry sky while the many clocks of Wyndfell Hall rang out the twelve strokes which said farewell to the Old Year, and brought the New Year in.

Then they had all crowded back again into the hall, and, hand in hand, sung "Auld Lang Syne." As everyone had shaken hands and wished each other a Happy New Year, many and sincere had been the good wishes felt and expressed.

Even James Tapster had looked genial and happy for once.

He was beginning to feel as if he would, after all, throw the handkerchief to Bubbles (his own secret, graceful paraphrase for making an offer of marriage).

But as yet Dr.Panton knew nothing of this little under-current in the broad stream which seemed to be flowing so pleasantly before him.