Granny's voice sunk to a tremble of delight.
"It was so happy, so merry! All of 'em laughing and talking, and their bright pretty faces full of fun. But—maybe—I'll see 'em all in heaven. Don't cry, Dot."
Hal drew her to his breast, and soothed her with tender kisses. Then he sat down in the old rocker, and took her on his knee.
"There never was such a Christmas, never! I was so glad to have you all, so proud of you! And I've done my best"—
"Yes, Granny, God, who watches over all things, will bear witness to that. You were mother and father to us. And how you have toiled and worried and made sacrifices, how you have loved us, will all be written in the Great Book. I'm glad you are going to have a reward there."
"I shall see Joe."
Then she was quiet for a long while.
"I can't remember any thing about the Christmas," said Dot with much perplexity.
"Tell her, Hal. I'll listen; and it will seem all fresh again," pleaded Granny in a faint, far-off voice.
"You were such a weeny little thing, and couldn't talk plain; but then you had always been sick."