Mischievous Patty had slyly tied a sprig of mistletoe to the chandelier, and Dick Phelps by a clever manœuvre had succeeded in getting Mrs. Warner to stand under it. The good lady was quite unaware of their plans, and when Mr. Phelps kissed her soundly on her plump cheek she was decidedly surprised.
But the explanation amply justified his audacity, and Mrs. Warner laughingly declared that she would resign her place to some of the younger ladies.
The greatest fun came when Winthrop distributed the presents from the tree. None of them was expensive or valuable, but most of them were clever, merry little jokes which good-naturedly teased the recipients.
True to his word Mr. Phelps brought Abiram in, leading him by his long chain. Patty had tied a red ribbon round his neck with a huge bow, and had further dressed him up in a paper cap which she had taken from a German cracker motto.
Abiram received a stick of candy as his gift, and was as much pleased, apparently, as the rest of the party.
Many of the presents were accompanied by little verses or lines of doggerel, and the reading of these caused much merriment and laughter.
After the presentations, supper was served, and here Mrs. Warner had provided her part of the surprise.
Not even those staying in the house knew of their hostess’ plans, and when they all trooped out to the dining-room, a real Christmas feast awaited them.
The long table was decorated with red ribbons and holly, and red candles with red paper shades. Christmas bells hung above the table, and at each plate were appropriate souvenirs. In the centre of the table was a tiny Christmas tree with lighted candles, a miniature copy of the one they had just left.
Even the viands partook of the Christmas character, and from roast turkey to plum pudding no detail was spared to make it a true Christmas feast.