Patty chose the two little babies asleep in the cradle, Anne Marie chose a silver-and-white fairy dancer, and Ailie’s choice was the bright little red-and-green parrot swinging in his cage.
‘He will keep Granny company when I go out to shop,’ explained Ailie.
‘WHAT WILL SANTA CLAUS SAY TO-NIGHT WHEN HE SEES THREE POLLY PERKINSES?’ ASKED PATTY
Papa Durant came to take Anne Marie home, and bowed and smiled and rubbed his hands together when he heard the praises of his Christmas cakes, and saw Polly Perkins Durant held in happy Anne Marie’s arms.
Thomas, the hall boy, who had brought wee Ailie McNabb to the party, was to take her home again.
But just at the last moment, Patty asked a question that made every one at the Party stand still and think.
‘What will Santa Claus say to-night when he sees three Polly Perkinses?’ asked Patty.
And that was a question no one could answer, not even Grandmother King.