The letters were dispatched with haste, and almost by return mail came the answers; an emphatic approval, and a promise of hearty cooperation signed “Frank” and “Ned.” What is every one’s business is apt to be no one’s business, however, and no one notified Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Bertram of the change of plan, each thinking that one of the others would attend to it.

“As for presents,” mused Ella, as she hurried downtown two days before Christmas, “I never can think what to give them; but, after all, there’s nothing better than bed-slippers for Mother, and a warm neckerchief for Father’s throat. Those are always good.”

The day before Christmas dawned clear and cold. It had been expected that Ella, her husband, and her twin boys would arrive at the little village station a full hour before the train from the north bringing Ned, Mrs. Ned, and little Mabel, together with Frank and his wife and son; but Ella’s train was late--so late that it came in a scant five minutes ahead of the other one, and thus brought about a joyous greeting between the reunited families on the station platform itself.

“Why, it’s not so bad we were late, after all,” cried Ella. “This is fine--now we can all go together!”

“Jove! but we’re a cheery sight!” exclaimed Ned, as he counted off on his fingers the blooming faces of those about him. “There are ten of us!”

“Only fancy what they’ll say at the house when they catch their first glimpse of us!” chuckled Frank. “The dear old souls! How Father’s eyes will shine and Mother’s cap-strings bob! By the way, of course they know we’re coming to-day?”

There was a moment’s silence; then Ella flushed. “Why! didn’t--didn’t you tell them?” she stammered.

“I? Why, of course not!” cried Frank. “I supposed you were going to. But maybe Ned-” He paused and turned questioning eyes on his brother.

Ned shook his head. “Not I,” he said.

“Why, then--then they don’t know,” cried Ella, aghast. “They don’t know a thing!”

“Never mind, come on,” laughed Ned. “What difference does it make?”

“’What difference does it make’!” retorted Ella indignantly. “Ned Bertram, do you suppose I’d take the risk of ten of us pouncing down on those two poor dears like this by surprise? Certainly not!”

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