Incidentally, it is
worth while to mention that in one of the bedrooms there were nine
compactly wrapped bundles, each marked by a name, but not tied up in
red ribbon. They contained the few belongings of the nine children,
and they were all ready for the coming of the Society's agents. During
the day Mrs. Force had sent her automobile and a footman to remove the
toys and treasures left over from the reign of plenty, taking them to
headquarters for future distribution among their owners. This was done
while Mr. Bingle was at the bank. He could not have endured this part
of the business.
The Christmas Carol lay on the mantelpiece behind the stove, with Mr.
Bingle's reading glasses, both ready for use.
At six-thirty Mr. Diggs appeared, laden with bundles, and at his heels
was Watson, carrying a tremendous basket. They were clad in huge fur
overcoats, their faces were red from the cold, and their voices were
vastly cheerful.
"Merry Christmas, sir," said Diggs, and "Merry Christmas, sir," said
Watson.
"I've taken the liberty, sir--I mean to say, Watson and I 'ave, sir--
of fetching with us a thumping big Christmas dinner for you, seeing as
you will be quite alone and--er--you might say at peace again, sir.
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