"I came back last night, and I'm coming to dinner with you to-day. Won't we have fun!"
The little girls of course were entranced.
Then Faith pulled him aside.
"We're having such a lovely Christmas because of the money in the coin cabinet. Aunt Alice says you know about it. Wasn't it the most wonderful surprise for me?"
"I guess it was. Yes, I know all about it. Has it all gone yet?"
"The most awful lot of it has. Wasn't it good of Mr. Cardwell? I do hope he knows how we're enjoying ourselves."
"I expect he does. What have you done to your Aunt Alice? She's looking ripping!"
Faith slipped over to her Aunt's side.
Aunt Alice was wearing her furs, and she was indeed looking her very best. A bright colour was in her cheeks, and a light in her eyes. She took hold of Faith's hand.
"Come along, chicks! We must get home. You will see your Pirate again, so we won't say good-bye."