"Girls always like things that look pretty," piped Tim in disdain.
"And all boys care about is to eat and eat," Mary shot out with equal scorn.
Hidden away in a corner behind his newspaper Captain Dillingham chuckled. He was vastly amused by this family congress.
Meantime Mrs. McGregor, in order to avert the battle she saw rising, said, "Suppose we put it to vote. Are you ready for the question?"
"Yes!" responded her flock in chorus.
"All right. Shall it be presents and turkey, or presents and a tree?"
"I want mince pie," proclaimed Martin flatly.
"But we are not talking of pie, dear," answered his mother patiently. "It is the turkey we're voting on."
"I want turkey and a tree and presents and ice-teem and pie!" Nell asserted shamelessly.
"Stockings and turkey, Ma! Stockings and turkey!" shouted Carl.