"Maybe Jim would take Annie too, now that he is so rich."
"Do you think it would be right to ask him?"
"No, I don't; no, I don't. Well, anyhow, it is good to have half the fam'ly put straight. You will think of it, Ally, you will think of it; you've got a whole week to think of it in."
"I will think of it," said Alison, in a grave voice.
She got up presently; she was feeling very restless and excited.
"I think I'll go out for a bit," she said.
"Do, child, do; it will bring a bit of color into your cheeks."
"Is there anything I can get for you, Grannie—anything for Christmas? You said we were to be happy till after Christmas."
"So we will; I have made up my mind firm on that p'int. We'll have a right good Christmas. There's three pounds in my purse. We'll spend five shillings for Christmas Day. That ought to give us a powerful lot o' good food. Oh, yes, we'll manage for Christmas."
"This is Tuesday," said Alison, "and Christmas Day comes Friday. Shall I get any of the things to-night, Grannie?"