`` Just what I was thinking , '' returned her husband , `` and I was thinking of something else , too . I 've a notion that I 'd like to see some of the things in our basket right here on this table . '' `` I 'd like to see them all , '' said Mrs. Ralston promptly . `` Let 's just leave them here , Edward . Roger 's family will have plenty of presents without them , and for that matter we can send them ours when we go back home . '' `` Just as you say , '' agreed Mr. Ralston . `` I like the idea of giving the small folk of this household a rousing good Christmas for once . They 're poor I know , and I dare say pretty well pinched this year like most of the farmers hereabout after the crop failure . '' Mrs. Ralston untied the cover of the big basket . Then the two of them , moving as stealthily as if engaged in a burglary , transferred the contents to the table . Mr. Ralston got out a small pencil and a note book , and by dint of comparing the names attached to the gifts on the table they managed to divide theirs up pretty evenly among the little Josephs . When all was done Mrs. Ralston said , `` Now , I 'm going to spread that tablecloth carelessly over the table . We will be going before daylight , probably , and in the hurry of getting off I hope that Mr. and Mrs. Joseph will not notice the difference till we 're gone . '' It fell out as Mrs. Ralston had planned . The dawn broke fine and clear over a vast white world . Mr. and Mrs. Joseph were early astir ; breakfast for the storm-stayed travellers was cooked and eaten by lamplight ; then the horse and sleigh were brought to the door and Mr. Ralston carried out his empty basket . `` I expect the trail will be heavy , '' he said , `` but I guess we 'd get to Lindsay in time for dinner , anyway . Much obliged for your kindness , Mr. Joseph . When you and Mrs. Joseph come to town we shall hope to have a chance to return it . Good-bye and a merry Christmas to you all . ''
When Mrs. Joseph went back to the kitchen her eyes fell XXXXX the heaped-up table in the corner .
as before for in like of on over that to