He obeyed, however, and presently everybody's tapioca pudding was eaten.
"Now, good people," said Mrs. Fairchild, rising from her chair, "I'm going to slip into the parlor for one moment to switch on the lights and to make sure that—wait here, everybody, until I come for you."
"Of all the kids," declared Roger, "my mother's the kiddiest one."
"It's my first merry Christmas," said Jeanne. "That's why. She's just excited over me and my first tree."
"Now come," said Mrs. Fairchild, appearing in the parlor doorway. "You first, Jeanne."
With Mrs. Fairchild's fingers over her eyes, Jeanne was propelled across the hall into the big, best room.
"Now look!" said Mrs. Fairchild, stepping back.
Jeanne looked. The tall tree was ablaze with electric lights and glittering ornaments. Captain Blossom stood at one side of it, and Barney at the other. Both were grinning broadly.
Jeanne's dazzled eyes traveled from the top of the tree to the beaming faces beside it; and then to a point not very far above the floor, where the light shimmered upon three balls of reddish, carroty gold—and three pairs of bright, expectant eyes.
"Sammy!" shrieked Jeanne, darting forward. "Annie! Patsy! Are you real? Oh, you darling babies!"