“Forgive me for making a scene,” pleaded the little bird.
“The bear is very sensitive,” said Santa Claus seriously. “And on the whole I think he is rather well behaved for a bear.”
“I am sure I would like the bear much better if I did not know him so well,” said Sancho Wing.
“What? Do you know him?” asked Santa Claus.
There was an awkward pause. Sancho did not want to tell on the bear, for like himself he was Santa Claus’ guest.
“I know him distantly,” said Sancho—“just a growling acquaintance. He may have changed since I saw him last. Maybe I shall like him better now.”
“I am sure you will,” said Santa Claus kindly, as they drew their chairs up to the fire and prepared to spend a cozy evening.
