"I used to know a family of that name years ago."
"He said he would come to see us one day; and he asked me if Annie had had a good doctor."
"What did you say, dear?"
"I said, no, not since I could remember."
"Oh, Maggie, do you really think he will come here?" asked Annie, casting a comprehensive glance around their poor home.
"I should not be surprised. I think he does mean to come. Do have another chocolate, Annie!"
The little invalid was posted up in bed, regaling herself on chocolates from a box that her sister had received from the Christmas tree.
"We will keep some for to-morrow," the mother said, smiling, "and I think we will put off hearing anything more about the party till to-morrow too. You must be very tired, Maggie: and Annie there ought to have been asleep long ago."
"I don't feel a bit sleepy, mother," Maggie said.
"I dare say not, but it's time you were in bed, all the same. Put away your sweets and presents till to-morrow, like a good girl."