"Yes," said Bob. "Ain't it prime? I know'd yer'd be glad."
Mrs. Blair was almost as excited as the children themselves, at the idea of the visitor, and she declared she would have to be up an hour earlier, in order to be ready for the lady.
The next morning Willie very much wanted his brother to stay at home with him to see the lady, but Bob knew he must not do that.
"It won't do to lose a day now, Willie," he said. "I must go an' earn some money, else wot'll we do?" And with a brave face he shouldered his broom and marched off.
True to her promise, Miss Elton found her way that morning to Mrs. Blair's. She had some difficulty in following Bob's directions, for they were not very clear. But she arrived there at lasts and found Willie eagerly watching for her at the window.
"Why, Willie, my little man," she said, "you didn't come to see me last night."
"No," said Willie, with glistening eyes. "I 'ain't been well; but—-but," hesitatingly, "I'm glad you've come to see me."
[Miss Elton sat down, and drew the boy to her side.] She thought what a frail little fellow he looked, with his flushed cheeks and shining eyes. She talked to him for some time about himself and his brother, and then she said—-"Now, Willie, I want you to make haste and get well. Do you know why?"
Willie shook his head.
"Well," she said, "Christmas will be here in two weeks' time.
Do you know what Christmas is?"