“Some of the greatest in America, my boy,” said Uncle Ben, seriously, as he understood Ned’s ambition to meet them and his doubt of having the desire fulfilled.
“What must we wear?” asked Norma.
“The prettiest that you have, for I want to show off my publishing company to the very best advantage,” replied Uncle Ben.
Just then Mr. Talmage appeared at the doorway and said,
“Do you know that dinner is almost ready and no one there to sit down to table?”
Then everyone began to tell of the party to be given in New York, and Mr. Talmage seemed very much surprised.
“If that is the case, you will all have to do your very best to have a fine Christmas magazine so that the friends you meet in New York will want to come to another party at some other time. Perhaps if the magazine was very, very attractive they would feel so proud of being acquainted with you that they would take the trouble to come all the way out to Oakdale to have a party this winter,” ventured Mr. Talmage.
“Wouldn’t it be fun to invite them all here at the Christmas Holidays and give them a real country Christmas tree with Uncle Ben for Santa Claus!” cried Betty, expectantly.
“And sleigh-rides from the train, and bob-sledding down Oakdale Hill, then over to our Publishing House for the Tree,” added Dot.
“And have a present for everyone like we had on our Fourth-of-July tree,” cried Ruth.