The end , by the way , was so long in coming that the gas was lighted before dessert was over , for a snow flurry had come on and the wintry daylight faded fast . But that only made it all the jollier in the warm , bright rooms , full of happy souls . Everyone was very merry , but Archie seemed particularly uplifted so much so , that Charlie confided to Rose that he was afraid the Chief had been at the decanters . Rose indignantly denied the insinuation , for when healths were drunk in the good old-fashioned way to suit the elders , she had observed that Aunt Jessie 's boys filled their glasses with water , and had done the same herself in spite of the Prince 's jokes about `` the rosy . '' But Archie certainly was unusually excited , and when someone remembered that it was the anniversary of Uncle Jem 's wedding , and wished he was there to make a speech , his son electrified the family by trying to do it for him . It was rather incoherent and flowery , as maiden speeches are apt to be , but the end was considered superb ; for , turning to his mother with a queer little choke in his voice , he said that she `` deserved to be blessed with peace and plenty , to be crowned with roses and lads ' - love , and to receive the cargo of happiness sailing home to her in spite of wind or tide to add another Jem to the family jewels . '' That allusion to the Captain , now on his return trip , made Mrs. Jessie sob in her napkin , and set the boys cheering . Then , as if that was not sensation enough , Archie suddenly dashed out of the room , as if he had lost his wits . `` Too bashful to stay and be praised , '' began Charlie , excusing the peculiarities of his chief as in duty bound . `` Phebe beckoned to him ; I saw her , '' cried Rose , staring hard at the door . `` Is it more presents coming ? '' asked Jamie , just as his brother re-appeared , looking more excited than ever . `` Yes ; a present for mother , and here it is ! '' roared Archie , flinging wide the door to let in a tall man , who cried out , `` Where 's my little woman ? The first kiss for her , then the rest may come on as fast as they like . '' Before the words were out of his mouth , Mrs. Jessie was half-hidden under his rough great-coat , and four boys were prancing about him clamouring for their turn . Of course , there was a joyful tumult for a time , during which Rose slipped into the window recess and watched what went on , as if it were a chapter in a Christmas story . It was good to see bluff Uncle Jem look proudly at his tall son , and fondly hug the little ones . It was better still to see him shake his brothers ' hands as if he would never leave off , and kiss all the sisters in a way that made even solemn Aunt Myra brighten up for a minute . But it was best of all to see him finally established in grandfather 's chair , with his `` little woman '' beside him , his three youngest boys in his lap , and Archie hovering over him like a large-sized cherub .
That really was , as XXXXX said , `` A landscape to do one 's heart good . ''
Captain Charlie Jamie Phebe Prince Rose daylight decanters first tumult