Mother. I didn't think Tom could do much with that boy when he was contrary. [Enter Tom.] Well, Tom, dear, don't you want to come and sit with Mamma a little while?
Tom [rather doubtfully]. Ye-es.
Mother. Here is your little chair all ready. [Tom sits down with his elbows on his knees, and his chin in his hands.] Sarah has told me something that makes me sorry. She said that you were naughty last night? Is that so?
Tom [reluctantly]. Yes, I was cross.
Mother. She said you were cross again this morning.
Tom. Yes, I was naughty this morning, too.
Mother. Oh-h-h, Tommy! I'm so sorry to have my little boy so naughty on Christmas Day. Don't you think that when people want to be happy and glad, everyone ought to be good and pleasant, too?
Tom [the words drawn out against his will]. Yes, I think so.
Mother. And then there is the beautiful story of that wonderful first Christmas. Don't you think people were very happy on that Day? And you know we always think of that on Christmas, now.