After dinner they played games, and cracked nuts, and roasted apples, until the clock struck nine; then Bertie got up to go.
"Off, are you?" said the doctor, looking up from his paper. "Well, I'll expect you on Monday, remember."
"Yes, sir," said Bertie happily. He was not likely to forget.
As he went out Amy came through the hall with a red sled.
"Here is William John's present. I've tied all the other things on so that they can't fall off."
Edith was at the door-with a parcel. "Here are some nuts and candies for William John," she said. "And tell him we all wish him a 'Happy New Year.'"
"Thank you," said Bertie. "I've had a splendid time. I'll tell William John. Goodnight."
He stepped out. It was frostier than ever. The snow crackled and snapped, the stars were keen and bright, but to Bertie, running down the street with William John's sled thumping merrily behind him, the world was aglow with rosy hope and promise. He was quite sure he could never forget this wonderful New Year.