When they were on the New York side once more, Mrs. Allen said,—
"Now I will take you through Dotty's hen-houses. What have we here? O, Christmas greens."
A woman stood at one of the stands, tying holly and evergreens together into long strips, which she sold by the yard.
"We must adorn the house, children. I will buy some of this, if you will help carry it home."
"Load me down," said Horace; "I'll take a mile of it."
"Loaden me down, too; I'll take it a mile," said Fly.
"Give me that beautiful cross to carry, auntie."
"Are you willing to carry crosses, Prudy? Ah, you've learned the lesson young!"
"I like the star best," said Dotty; "why can't they make suns and moons, too!"
"Will you have a hanker, my pretty miss?" said the woman, dropping a courtesy.