At the end of ten days Alice found herself quite comfortable at Matching Priory. She had now promised to remain there till the second week of December, at which time she was to go to Vavasor Hall,--there to meet her father and Kate. The Pallisers were to pass their Christmas with the Duke of Omnium in Barsetshire. "We always are to do that," said Glencora. "It is the state occasion at Gatherum Castle, but it only lasts for one week. Then we go somewhere else. Oh dear!"
"Why do you say 'oh dear'?"
"Because--; I don't think I mean to tell you."
"Then I'm sure I won't ask."

After ten days Alice felt quite comfortable at Matching Priory. She had promised to remain there till the second week of December, when she was to go to Vavasor Hall to meet her father and Kate. The Pallisers were to pass their Christmas with the Duke of Omnium in Barsetshire.
"It is the state occasion at Gatherum Castle," said Glencora, "but it only lasts for one week. Then we go somewhere else. Oh dear!"
"Why 'oh dear'?"
"Because - I don't think I mean to tell you."
"Then I won't ask."
