Will called him the `` Typhoon , '' meaning Tycoon , and the name stuck to him to his great disgust . Aunt Peace was brought down and set in the chair of state at table , for she never failed to join the family on this day , and sat smiling at them all , `` like an embodiment of Peace on earth , '' Uncle Alec said , as he took his place beside her , while Uncle Mac supported Aunt Plenty at the other end . `` I ate hardly any breakfast , and I 've done everything I know to make myself extra hungry , but I really do n't think I can eat straight through , unless I burst my buttons off , '' whispered Geordie to Will , as he surveyed the bounteous stores before him with a hopeless sigh . `` A fellow never knows what he can do till he tries , '' answered Will , attacking his heaped-up plate with an evident intention of doing his duty like a man . Everybody knows what a Christmas dinner is , so we need waste no words in describing this one , but hasten at once to tell what happened at the end of it . 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. XXXXX was half-hidden under his rough great-coat , and four boys were prancing about him clamouring for their turn .
Alec Charlie Geordie Jessie Mac Prince Rose Typhoon decanters healths