Pudding , indeed ! He could not have eaten another mouthful after such wonderful and unexpected good fortune . After dinner they played games , and cracked nuts , and roasted apples , until the clock struck nine ; then Bertie got up to go . `` Off , are you ? '' said the doctor , looking up from his paper . `` Well , I 'll expect you on Monday , remember . '' `` Yes , sir , '' said Bertie happily . He was not likely to forget . As he went out Amy came through the hall with a red sled . `` Here is William John 's present . I 've tied all the other things on so that they ca n't fall off . '' Edith was at the door-with a parcel . `` Here are some nuts and candies for William John , '' she said . `` And tell him we all wish him a ` Happy New Year . ' '' `` Thank you , '' said Bertie . `` I 've had a splendid time . I 'll tell William John . Goodnight . '' He stepped out . It was frostier than ever .
The snow crackled and snapped , the stars were keen and bright , but to Bertie , running down the street with William John 's XXXXX thumping merrily behind him , the world was aglow with rosy hope and promise .
Amy Bertie Edith John Pudding doctor door-with fall fortune sled