“ Yes,” her voice called faintly.
“ Merry Christmas!” he shouted to her.
Her laugh, pretty and tinkling, was heard in the bedroom. She did not come down in half an hour.
“ Was she really getting up when she said she was?” he asked of Annie.
“ Yes, she was,” replied Annie.
He waited a while, then went to the stairs again.
“ Happy New Year,” he called.
“ Thank you, Chubby dear!” came the laughing voice, far away.
“ Buck up!” he implored.
It was nearly an hour, and still he was waiting for her. Morel, who always rose before six, looked at the clock.
“ Well, it’s a winder!” he exclaimed.
The family had breakfasted, all but William. He went to the foot of the stairs.
“ Shall I have to send you an Easter egg up there?” he called, rather crossly. She only laughed. The
