g   to stop. But it  a urally called hers did.

    But  kid— George—going around by  even  was really in his mind.

    S mas Eve nig talking. Quit acting so peculiar, so alk about t out tead of ockings.’

    George  anso sleep.

    S up at four oclock in t a fire in t room and t to tmas tree and see . George  and Ralp of t got clotocking for tc it  ts ill dark s out on toes and s firecrackers and ate up t omacired out. S  into the inside room.

    EIGor Copeland sat at udying a s from the window.

    Beside ree, a to t year o practice y on Cmas Day, and no t spiced odor of neeaming coffee. In tia sat on a benc t almost double.

    Fathe desk since five oclock.

    You got no business to be up. You ougo stayed in bed until time for to-do.’

    Doctor Copeland moistened ongue. So muc tention to give to Portia. ted him.

    At last urned to ably.  there moping?’

    I just got worries, s our illie.’

    illiam?’

    You see ing me regular ever Sunday. tter  uesday. But last e. Course I not really anxious. illie—ured and s I knoo to a. tter to say to attend a coday, and o send  of clotie.’

    ?Is t all illiam said?’

    ten t t too. And t o Buster Joo kno evert and a we-iced cake.

    But I sure  few days.’

    Doctor Copelands eyes glo rest er, er. It is getting late and I must finiso tc all is ready.’

    Portia stood up and tried to make  and happy.

    you done decided about t five-dollar prize?’

    As yet I o deci