`` I guess we might as well enjoy ourselves . Let 's eat it all up and have a good time . Maybe we 'll get down to Pembroke in the morning . '' The little group grew cheerful as they nibbled , and even the pale girl brightened up . The little mother told Aunt Cyrilla her story aside . She had been long estranged from her family , who had disapproved of her marriage . Her husband had died the previous summer , leaving her in poor circumstances . `` Father wrote to me last week and asked me to let bygones be bygones and come home for Christmas . I was so glad . And the children 's hearts were set on it . It seems too bad that we are not to get there . I have to be back at work the morning after Christmas . '' The khaki boy came up again and shared the candy . He told amusing stories of campaigning in South Africa . The minister came too , and listened , and even the sealskin lady turned her head over her shoulder . By and by the children fell asleep , one on Aunt Cyrilla 's lap and one on Lucy Rose 's , and two on the seat . Aunt Cyrilla and the pale girl helped the mother make up beds for them . The minister gave his overcoat and the sealskin lady came forward with a shawl . `` This will do for the baby , '' she said . `` We must get up some Santa Claus for these youngsters , '' said the khaki boy .
`` Let 's hang their stockings XXXXX the wall and fill 'em up as best we can .
at by for from in of on over that to