Going down to the drawing-room they found the whole company of old and young gathered there; and presently dinner was announced.
It was a grand affair of many courses, and when they left the table the short winter day was drawing to a close. There was no wine upon the table, for the Dinsmores of the Oaks were strictly temperate in principle and practice, but the most fragrant and delicious coffee was served with the last course.
After that the gentlemen who did not smoke withdrew with the ladies to the drawing-room, the lads went out into the grounds to amuse themselves there until dark, and Elsie, taking the little girls to her apartments, showed them her baby house, with its family of dolls, a number of other costly toys, a cabinet of curiosities, books, and pictures. There was no lack of material for their entertainment, and tongues ran fast as they talked of what they were handling and of the Christmas gifts they had received before leaving home or expected to have sent them to-morrow.
As Elsie’s doating father was constantly adding to her store of pretty things, there were some which were new even to Enna.
She regarded them with curiosity at first, then with an envious eye; in sullen silence for a time; but at length, in a pause of the conversation, she remarked, “I don’t think it’s fair, Elsie, that you should have so much more of everything nice than anybody else has.”
“I do then!” exclaimed Carrie Howard, “because she’s so nice herself. Besides I know that with all her blessings she’s had her trials too.”
“What?” cried Enna, snappishly.
“You for one,” returned Carrie, laughing.
“Thank you, Miss Howard, but I don’t belong to her,” snapped Enna, growing very red and angry.
This sally was greeted with a general laugh, which only had the effect to increase Enna’s anger, though Elsie did not join in it.