“And next Christmas,” said Mr. Fairfield, “the Fairfields will again entertain the Elliotts, and Mrs. Fairfield will preside at her own table.”
Nan blushed and smiled, and seconded the invitation very prettily.
After dinner Marian carried Ruth and Patty off to her own room to await the coming of the Tea Club girls. Marian and Ruth seemed to like each other at once, and when the other girls arrived they were also quite ready to make friends with the Boston visitor.
The Tea Club girls all brought little gifts to Patty, who had also prepared small Christmas remembrances for them.
The Tea Club had always been noted for its merry times, but to-day they fairly outdid themselves. Patty told them they were as merry as Grigs, and assured them that higher commendation was impossible.
Later, Nan joined the group, and as she was well known to the girls from her visit of the summer before, they were all delighted to see her again.
At six o’clock the Tea Club girls regretfully went home, all promising to call on Patty again early the next morning.
Then came the evening fun. Frank declared that there was not room for another parcel in the parlour. He said that the budget Nan brought was the last straw, and that when Mr. Hepworth and Kenneth arrived he hoped they’d have consideration enough not to bring any bundles.
But his hopes were in vain, for not only did the two come well laden, but Miss Daggett accompanied her nephew, and she, too, had her hands full.
However, room was made somehow, and at last Frank threw open the parlour doors and invited them all to come in.