It was very delightful. Granny had a little slice, and added her praises to the rest so lavishly bestowed.
"There never was but one such Christmas. If I were a boy, I should pronounce it 'red-hot,'" laughed Joe. "I'm almost sorry to outgrow the boyish tricks and slang."
"And you can't cool it," appended Kit, with a melancholy shake of the head.
"If there was one face more," began Granny slowly.
Yes, just one was needed to complete the group.
The sun stole softly out of the window. The happy day was drawing to a close. Would life, too, draw to a close without her?
"Hark!" exclaimed Dot.
For the merry jingle of sleigh-bells ceased suddenly. Was it some unwelcome guest to break in upon the sanctity of their twilight hour?
A knock at the door. Charlie, being the nearest, opened it. A lady dressed in deep mourning, and a tall, fine-looking gentleman. She certainly had never seen either of them before.