"All the other fellows are having one." The words rung in Prissy's ears. It was true enough; she knew they would.
And Archie and even Claude would be contrasting the bright holiday-making of their companions with the dulness of their home. No; that must not be, cost what it might. The boys must have a bright Christmas day.
So seeing the effort that Archie was making to throw off his disappointment, she said, "Well, I will tell you what, boys—I'll try and manage it for you, if you will promise to do all you can to help me; that is, if our father will agree to it, for I will have no secret from him. Oh, poor father! If only his sight could be restored. And, you know, the London oculist has held out some faint hope that an operation may prove effectual, or at least partially so."
The young faces round her brightened as Prissy spoke, though Archie had the grace to say, "Oh! But it would be a shame, Prissy, after all, to put more work on you; still, if my father says we may, we would try and save you trouble, and I know the M'Ivors would help. Jules is so clever at making things, and Miss M'Ivor and André also. Oh, it will be famous if we can have it, and give Austin a surprise. You are a dear, good old Prissy!"
"Come along then, all of you, and we will go to the study and see what our father thinks about it. Only remember you are to ask him yourselves."
Archie and Claude shrunk back at those words.
But Ruth ran off to her father, and jumping on his knee, which was her favourite seat, she said, "Father, O father, we wants to have a Christmas tree all covered with lights and pretty things, 'cause Austin's 'turning home; and Prissy says we may, if you'll only let us."
"A Christmas tree, my little Ruth?" said her father, stroking her silken curls as he spoke. "Ah me! 'Tis long since there was one in this house. How old are you, my little maid?"
"Why, father, I'm six years old. But what has that to do with a tree? I'm big enough to see one, surely. Do say we may have one. Archie wants it, and Claude too."
"Yes, father," chimed in both boys; "we would like it, if you are willing."