"We have good news, like yours!" Lola said to Janet. "Our daddy and mother are coming here also for Christmas. You invited them, didn't you, Uncle Toby?" she asked.
"Why, yes, I believe I did," chuckled the jolly old gentleman. "But have you good news, too?" he asked Harry and Mary.
"Yes," they answered with happy tears in their eyes. "Our mother is well again, and she is coming up here for Christmas. Oh, how happy we are!"
"Everybody's happy!" sang Trouble. "Everybody's happy, an' Santa C'aus is comin'!"
"That's right!" laughed Janet, hugging him.
They little knew how close unhappiness was following happiness.
After the letters had been read again Uncle Toby drove the automobile down the village street to the store to get some things Aunt Sallie wanted for the Christmas dinner. As the children each had some spending money they were allowed to get out and wander through a general store next to the grocery. There was a "five and ten cent" department in the variety "Emporium" as it was called, and the children had fun there, picking out inexpensive presents as surprises one for the other.
It was not until, bubbling over with joy and happiness, they had again gotten back in the automobile that Trouble was missed.
"Oh, where is your little brother?" exclaimed Lola.
"Why, I thought you had him!" said Janet.