"Why, there's plenty
of money in the property, but I won't touch pen to paper to sign--"
"Of course, we can take care of him," interrupted Dorothy; "but I thought
maybe you would like to make him a little Christmas present--it is
visiting day to-morrow and the day before Christmas."
Little Miss Pumfret glared at Dorothy. Then she stepped back and sank down
on the hall seat. "Well," she exclaimed finally, "I'm an old-fashioned
woman. Never was used to youngsters' interference, but I like your cheek
(this was said with evident sincerity and no idea of being frivolous).
I've just a good mind--"
"Oh, do, do, Miss Pumfret! Come with me to-morrow and tell him you will
sell Tanglewood Park and--fix it all up--"
"How you do race on! But it's getting late. Perhaps--"
"I'll meet you at the ten o'clock train," went on Dorothy, while even
Major Dale was forced to smile at her impetuosity. "I have so many places
to go, but I am going to the hospital first."
Miss Pumfret put out her hand--it shook visibly.
"Little girl," she said, "you are right. You have said it all for me. Come
to-morrow and say it all over again to--Nick."
Tears fell down the old pinched cheeks, but Dorothy kissed them away. She
had found the path to Jane Pumfret's affection--it was cheek, just plain
cheek, sometimes called courage.
Yes, it was late, but Dorothy still had Tavia to console--if only she
could insist upon Tavia spending Christmas at The Cedars--Dorothy had
unlimited faith in the magic of the day before Christmas.
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