Amid all the Christmas mirth and good fellowship I felt the sorrow of your vacant chair . Avis , I wanted to tell you what the year had brought to me . My theory has been proved ; it has made me a famous man . Last Christmas , Avis , I told you of it , and you listened and understood and believed in it . Dear Avis , once again I thank you for all you have been to me -- all you are yet . I have brought you your roses ; they are as white and pure and fragrant as your life . '' Other footsteps came so quickly on Doctor Fritz ' retreating ones that Nanny could not rise . It was Laddie this time -- gay , careless , thoughtless Laddie . `` Roses ? So Fritz has been here ! I have brought you lilies , Avis . Oh , Avis , I miss you so ! You were so jolly and good -- you understood a fellow so well . I had to come here tonight to tell you how much I miss you . It does n't seem half home without you . Avis , I 'm trying to be a better chap -- more the sort of man you 'd have me be . I 've given the old set the go-by -- I 'm trying to live up to your standard . It would be easier if you were here to help me . When I was a kid it was always easier to be good for awhile after I 'd talked things over with you . I 've got the best mother a fellow ever had , but you and I were such chums , were n't we , Avis ?
I thought I 'd just break down XXXXX there tonight and put a damper on everything by crying like a baby .
Amid after as for if in of to with without