"Did she--did she seem to think it was odd, Betts?"
"No, she just answered--like she would have before. She was lying down, and she said 'I'm glad you're going to have a turkey---'"
"What!" said Anna, turning white.
"Yes, she did! She said 'You're all good, brave children!'"
"Oh, Betts, she didn't!"
"Honest she did, Phil--" Betsey said aggrievedly, and Anna kissed her between laughter and tears.
"But this is quite the best yet!" Susan said, contentedly, as she ransacked the breadbox for crumbs.
Just at dinner-time came a great crate of violets. "Jo's favorites, from Stewart!" said Anna softly, filling bowls with them. And, as if the thought of Josephine had suggested it, she added to Philip in a low tone:
"Listen, Phil, are we going to sing to-night?"
For from babyhood, on the eve of the feast, the Carrolls had gathered at the piano for the Christmas songs, before they looked at their gifts.