“I shouldn’t call a boar’s head a modern improvement,” said Mr. Fairfield, smiling.
“But ours will be,” said saucy Patty, “for it will be such an improvement on the sort they used to have. And we’ll have carols and waits——”
“Why, waits,” said Patty, “don’t you know what waits are? Why, they’re just waits.”
“Oh, yes,” said Elise, “now I understand perfectly! You explain things so clearly, Patty!”
“Yes, doesn’t she!” agreed Kenneth. “Never mind, Elise, I’ll be a wait and show you.”
“Do,” said Elise, “I’d much rather see than be one. Just think, Patty, Christmas is only ten days off! Can you be ready?”
“Oh, yes,” said Patty, smiling. “Why, I could get ready for two Christmases in ten days.”
“Wonderful girl!” commented Roger. “I thought ladies were always behind time with their Christmas preparations. I thought they always said, ‘It doesn’t seem possible Christmas is so near!’ and things like that.”
“I haven’t half my presents ready,” said Kenneth, in an exaggerated feminine voice. “I haven’t finished that pink pincushion for Sadie, nor the blue bedroom slippers for Bella.”