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 on the wall and fill 'em up as best we can . I 've nothing about me but some hard cash and a jack-knife . I 'll give each of 'em a quarter and the boy can have the knife . '' `` I 've nothing but money either , '' said the sealskin lady regretfully . Aunt Cyrilla glanced at the little mother .
She had fallen asleep XXXXX her head against the seat-back .
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