Then she
turned sweetly to Miss Amy Colgate and said:
"May I take you up town in my car, Mrs. Flanders?"
Mrs. Flanders replied just as sweetly. "No, thank you, Mrs. Force. Our
own limousine is waiting."
"We've come to hear the 'Christmas Carol,' Bingle," said Mr. Force
after his wife and Mr. and Mrs. Flanders had gone. "Kathleen and I
expect to come to see you on every Christmas Eve, if you'll have us.
You've got us on your hands, old man, and you can't shake us off."
"God bless my soul," said Mr. Bingle, visibly moved. "I remember that
you DID use it as an argument when you took Kathleen away from me.
Still, I bear it no grudge."
"I love the 'Christmas Carol,' Daddy," cried Kathleen, snuggling close
to him.
"Sh! You must not call me Daddy now, dear."
"I shall! You'll always be my daddy."
"And how about--" he pointed to Mr. Force.
"Oh," she said easily, "I call him father."
Then came the distribution of presents. A footman brought up numerous
gifts from the rich Kathleen to her one time foster brothers and
sisters.
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