“I never dared to risk a third,” said Mr. Linton, laughing. “I am a man of peace.”
“But what a horrible system!” said Mrs. Aikman. “Doesn’t it interfere with business?”
“Oh yes, greatly,” said her host. “But I suppose we shall learn, in time.”
“I’m going over to the cottage,” Norah whispered to Jim. “Do come—Geoff won’t think it’s Christmas if you don’t.”
They went out into the hall. Flying feet came down the stairs, and Wally was upon them.
“Merry Christmas, Norah!” He seized both her hands and pranced her down the hall. “Always begin Christmas with a turkey-trot!” he chanted.
“Begin, indeed!” said Norah, with a fine contempt. “I began mine hours ago. Where have you been?”
“I have been—contemplating,” said Wally, his brown eyes twinkling. “No one called me.”
“There’s evidence to the contrary,” Jim said, grinning. “It has been stated that you called a perfectly blameless lady Judkins, and said awful things to her.”
“My Aunt!” said Wally. “I hope not—unless you talk pretty straight to Judkins he doesn’t notice you. That accounts for the frozen tea and toast I found; I thought Father Christmas had put ’em there.”