But Judy beat a sudden retreat to the kitchen,
followedby Pat.
I should think we wouldnt quarrel, said Pat
indignantly.
But Tillytuck was adamantineto her arguments.
Everybody go back and sit down, she ordered.
Sid was reading a murdermystery in the dining-room.
So therell be nothing tobring us bad luck but still Ill be thankful whin its all
wellover. But peculiar people givecolour to life, dont they, Judy?
I hove it into the pig-pen, said Tillytuck sourly.
We must give aparty for him if he does, some night between Christmas and
NewYears.
Judy would none of Josiahand mister was too formal
to keep up for long.
And nobody had much appetite now, except
CousinNicholas.
Nothing worse could have beentold of the
Binnies.
Will you get some of the silver polish and dothe
mirrors?
They heard Cuddles laughter floating back through
the rain all theway to the granary. Oh, oh, God hilp the poor pigs thin, retorted
Judy.
Well just have to do as they do in Nova Scotia,
Judy. I see youre out for a walk like myself, says he. Ive been hearing girls talk
that way afore now, scoffed Judy.
It seemed that Pandemonium reigned at Silver Bush
for the nextquarter of an hour.
Christmas morning dawned ona dreadful combination
of fog and rain. Oh, Judy darling, it isnt that kind of cocktails at
all.
Ye wudnt be catching Gintleman Tom or
Bold-and-Bador Squedunk at inny such capers. And it was be way av being frindly as
often as not.
Gosh, but she knows how to handle the men! Never
mind, Judy, comforted Pat, seeing Judy was really upset.
What did ye do wid yer cherry,
Tillytuck?
Oh, oh, dont ye be knowing a Jerusalem cherry
brings bad luck? Im hoping it may be, said Judy, with an ear cocked
ceilingward.
But peculiar people givecolour to life, dont they,
Judy? The silver and brasses had to be cleaned:everything must be made spick and
span. She niver hilt up her head quite sohigh agin, poor ould leddy.
Theyre the very niftiest pyjamas I ever saw in my
life, vowedCuddles.
Old Cousin Nicholas got thethird and didnt
care.
She did be looking as if she was lying murdered in
herblood. The McDermott had looked in theglass and seen it all.
If theBay Shore aunts come they may be staying all
night. Nothing shouldbe sung in churches but the psalms of David
Aunt Edith took a heartattack on the
spot.
Wait till she could get her hands onthat Jerusalem
cherry.
Im not so agedyet, said Uncle Tom stiffly.