"'What is it, Spit?' inquired 'Aunt Twaddles' as she gazed down upon him.
"'Spit,' for that was the name of the brownie, looked up into her face as he stood awed by her presence.
"'Twaddles!' he exclaimed, 'during the storm the lightning struck a wooden doll in the village and hurt it mighty badly.'
"As this sad bit of news fell on the ears of 'Aunt Twaddles,' she dismissed the brownie with a wave of her hand and sank back in her chair, and the children could see that she was much distressed.
"'Come! come!' she said to herself at last, 'we must not grieve so much over accidents, for they are often the will of Heaven.'
"She arose and greeted the children with a glad smile.
"'Aunt Twaddles,' inquired Arthur, 'does Santa Claus always live here?'
"Instantly, 'Aunt Twaddles' stepped back from the children and paused. She stood near the steps of the golden throne, her hand resting upon the white polished onyx post that ornamented the end of the beautiful balustrade, and turning to them, she said:
"'Yes, children, Santa Claus always lives here and I am his sister.'
"As she spoke the last word, a magical change came over her entire features.