To make the little girl laugh her father told her that once a man was driving along a country road when he saw seven children sitting on the doorstep crying, and seven more on the fence. Startled at so much grief he paused to inquire what had happened, and with one voice they answered:
"Our mother's gone away and left us all alone!"
"There's only seven of us with Martha, and I am not crying," said the little girl spiritedly.
Joe dropped in just as they were seated at the table, and whispered something to his father and Margaret. He seemed very merry, and Mr. Underhill gave a satisfied nod. He brought Margaret a beautiful cameo brooch, which was considered a fine thing then, and put a pretty garnet ring on Hanny's finger.
Hanny guessed what the word had been. Mother was going to bring Steve and Dolly down to dinner. Dolly had changed her mind, for she had said she could not come. That was what they were smiling about.
At ten Stephen brought mother down in the sleigh, and they were more mysterious than ever.
Peggy and the little girl must bundle up and go back with him, for he had such a wonderful Christmas present to show them.
"But why didn't you bring Dolly and stay to dinner? And oh, Mother! Christmas morning wasn't splendid at all without you!" said the little girl, clinging to her.
Mrs. Underhill stooped and kissed her and said in a full, tremulous sort of voice:
"Run and get your hood, dear, and don't keep Stephen waiting."