"There is one comfort: she can't be afraid of sunstroke in winter," said Margaret, laughing.
"I dare say she will make it up by being afraid of fires," said Mrs. Ackerman. "However, we must be kind to the poor thing, and we won't let to-morrow spoil to-day, if we can help it. Come, Percy dear, gather up your pretty things and put them away. It is time we were getting ready for church."
Percy had dreaded Christmas, because she thought she should feel so sadly, but the day passed very pleasantly, after all. She went to church with her aunt and cousin, and after church they drove round to the Orphans' Home, and saw all the children at their dinner of turkeys and plum puddings. Percy passed a pleasant two hours in her cousin's dressing-room, by the light of the fire, telling Margaret about her father and mother, and learning from her anecdotes of her mother's school life.
"And you knew papa, too, when he was young," asked Percy.
"Oh, yes; I knew him very well," answered Margaret. She spoke quite cheerfully; but yet something, she did not quite know what, made Percy think that Cousin Margaret would rather not talk about her father, and she asked no more questions.
They had company at dinner and to spend the evening: two or three young ladies who were very plainly dressed, and who were brought and sent home again in Mrs. Ackerman's own carriage. Percy found out afterwards that they were teachers in the public school and the Sunday-school.
"Mamma is apt to make her holiday parties on Scripture principles," said Margaret to Percy, when they were alone together. "She does not invite her rich neighbors, but looks out for those who have no friends or home to go to."
The next morning Percy went to the station with Margaret to meet Cousin Sarah.
"There she is," said Margaret, as a thin, tall, anxious-looking woman came out of the car. "Take care! She will be run over."
Percy could hardly keep back a scream, as the tall lady, having hesitated at least two minutes while the track was clear, ran across directly in front of an advancing engine, and only just cleared herself.