"Oh, goodness! then I'll stop and change my tune. Let me see, what delightful thing can we imagine, Jack, to take the taste out of our mouths? Think of the very nicest thing that could happen, and we will pretend that mother and Aunt Helen are talking of that."
Jack thoughtfully disposed some red roses upon a spray of glossy green leaves. "Let's pretend Mr. St. Nick is going to take us to some lovely place," she began, "and——"
Here a mysterious voice interrupted: "What's the matter with somebody else taking you to some lovely place?"
Jack started up and dropped her roses in a heap, while Nan exclaimed: "Carter Barnwell, how long have you been eaves-dropping?"
"Only a moment. As soon as things looked as if they might become too serious I spoke out. You really haven't said anything worth listening to yet. The only remark that impressed me at all was that which announced that you weren't perfect. I thought you all were."
"That's too beautiful a compliment to pass over," said Nan. "You are forgiven."
"I can tell you I think, what is at present occupying the thoughts of your elders in there."
"What? Oh, Cart, are you planning to take us somewhere?"
"I am, fair maiden."
"All of us?" put in Jack.