`` 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 at all . '' `` Poor little fellow ! '' said the doctor . `` I 've heard of him ; a pretty hard time he has of it , I think . '' `` He was so pretty , Papa . And Edie gave him her blue mittens for William John . '' `` The plot deepens . Who is William John ? '' `` Oh , a cousin or something , did n't he say Edie ? Anyway , he is sick , and he wanted to go coasting , and Bertie gave him his mittens . And I suppose he never had any Christmas either . '' `` There are plenty who have n't , '' said the doctor , taking up his paper with a sigh . `` Well , girlies , you seem interested in this little fellow so , if you like , you may invite him and his cousin to take dinner with you on New Year 's night . '' `` Oh , Papa ! '' said Edith , her eyes shining like stars . The doctor laughed .
`` Write him a nice little note of invitation -- you are the lady XXXXX the house , you know -- and I 'll see that he gets it tomorrow . ''
Bertie at for girlies if in like of to with