`` I guess there 's enough of us without that . I must be going now . I 'm very much obliged to you . '' Edith slipped from the room as he spoke , and met him again at the door . She held out a pair of warm-looking mittens . `` These are for William John , '' she said simply , `` so that you can have your own . They are a pair of mine which are too big for me . I know Papa will say it is all right . Goodbye , Bertie . '' `` Goodbye -- and thank you , '' stammered Bertie , as the door closed . Then he hastened home to William John . That evening Doctor Forbes noticed a peculiarly thoughtful look on Edith 's face as she sat gazing into the glowing coal fire after dinner . He laid his hand on her dark curls inquiringly . `` What are you musing over ? '' `` There was a little boy here today , '' began Edith . `` Oh , such a dear little boy , '' broke in Amy eagerly from the corner , where she was playing with her kitten . `` His name was Bertie Ross . He brought up the parcels , and we asked him in to get warm . He had no mittens , and his hands were almost frozen . And , oh , Papa , just think !
-- he said he never had any Christmas or New Year XXXXX all . ''
after as at from in into of on with without