Think what a jolly Christmas you might have.

Show him the boy as a Christmas present! I believe he is keen to be at home; and the less you thwart him now, the better.

Don't suggest it until I am gone; but send a wire home at once to say you are probably returning this afternoon.

Then your people will make all needed preparations for the festive day; turkeys and holly, and all that sort of thing; have fires lighted everywhere, and all in readiness.

My old sweetheart, Mrs.Blake, will put on cherry-coloured ribbons, and black satin, and be in the hall to receive you! You had better mention, in the wire, that I am not coming; then she won't waste her time hanging mistletoe in likely corners." Helen wrote the telegram, rang, and gave it to a page.
Then she turned to Dr.Dick.
"Ronnie is _not_ fully himself, yet," she said.
Dick looked at her keenly.