When Mrs. Richmond called the children to the dining room to eat, the toys were left by themselves in a playroom.
"Ladies and Gentlemen," said the Calico Clown in his jolly voice, "we have all met together, after a long time of being apart. We have all had good times together, and now I hope you will all agree with me when I say that we are glad to welcome the Nodding Donkey among us."
The Nodding Donkey is Welcomed by the Calico Clown.
"Yes, he is very welcome," said the Sawdust Doll. "We are glad he has come to live in this part of the world."
"I am glad of it myself," said the Nodding Donkey. "I never knew, while I was in the workshop of Santa Claus, that so many things could happen down here. Yes, I am very happy that I came. There is only one thing I wish."
"What is that?" asked the Monkey.
"I wish the China Cat were here," said the Donkey. "She lives in Mr. Mugg's store, and I'm sure you would all like her, she is so clean and white."