"Well, hear my plan," said Mr. Dillwyn. "I think you objected to two rival trees?"
"I object to rival anythings," said Lois; "in church matters especially."
"Then I propose that no tree be set up, but instead, that you let Santa
Claus come in with his sledge."
"Santa Claus!" cried Lois. "Who would be Santa Claus?"
"An old man in a white mantle, his head and beard covered with snow and fringed with icicles; his dress of fur; his sledge a large one, and well heaped up with things to delight the children. What do you think?"
Madge's colour rose, and Lois's eye took a sparkle; both were silent.
Then Madge spoke.
"I don't see how that plan could be carried out, any more than the other. It is a great deal better, it is magnificent; but it is a great deal too magnificent for Shampuashuh."
"Why so?"
"Nobody here knows how to do it."
"I know how."