"Dit up, Bertie," she said, laughing, and showing all her white teeth. "Dit up, and have a merry Tismus."
"Oh, Winnie darling, I hope you'll have many merry Christmases! Now let's go and see papa and mamma, and then when Nancy has dressed you, I'll show you my presents."
"Law!" exclaimed Nancy, raising her hands, "you don't mean to say you haven't taken down your stocking. What would Saint Nick say?"
"I know who Saint Nick is," Bertie answered, with a merry laugh. "It's mamma, I saw her last year come creeping softly into my room in the city, and hang it up. I'd rather have mamma than anybody, because she knows what I would like."
"Well, dear, hurry and dress. Your mamma isn't awake yet; and then you can show us your presents."
"Did you give me anything, nurse?"
"I! what a question!" she exclaimed, in pretended horror.
"But I think you did, because when I went to the nursery of a sudden last night, you threw your apron over something you was working, and you looked ever so queer."
"Why, Bertie, I never thought you watched me so, I must be careful what I do. Well, supposing I did, what should you like best?"
"A ball for Winnie and I to play in the house with. One that would not break the windows, I mean."