I put on my wraps and went immediately to confer with Mrs. Blake. I found her, like every one else, in the midst of busy preparations for Christmas.
"Dan'el got me a twelve-pound turkey and lots of other things; and he wants a regular old-fashioned Christmas, with all the Larkums here; and then I have one or two little folks I'm going to have in to please myself. Poor little creatures, with a drunken father and no mother worth speaking about."
"Have you very much trade now?"
"Well, consid'able; but if you're wanting me for anything I can set up later to-night."
"Oh, no, indeed. I just wanted to consult you about something, and I will help you stone these raisins while I sit with you."
"Dear heart, you needn't do that; I'll get the pudding made in plenty of time, but what kindness have you in your plans now?"
"A Christmas tree. I want you to tell me what to do, and where to have it."
"Why, the Temperance Hall, of course, just past the mills. I guess you've never seen it."
"That will be excellent. I did not know you had one here. Now, when shall we have it? To-morrow will be too soon, I am afraid."
"Yes, and it seems a pity to have so many good things all to onct. Most everybody has a Christmas of some sort. How would Friday do."