"Why, of course," explained Redding, "lots more. Now, go back, and
stay until everybody has left the theater, and then you will be
certain it's over."

So back they went, furnishing an amusing entr'acte for the impatient
audience.

After the curtain descended on the final tableau, Redding waited in
the lobby while the stream of people passed. The Wiggses had obeyed
instructions, and were the very last to come out. They seemed dazed
by their recent glimpse into fairy-land. Something in their thin
bodies and pinched faces made Redding form a sudden resolve.

"Billy," he said gravely, "can't you and your family take supper
with me?"

Billy and his mother exchanged doubtful glances; for the past three
hours everything had been so strange and unusual that they were
bewildered.

"You see, we will go right over to Bond's and have something to eat
before you go home," urged Redding.

Mrs. Wiggs was in great doubt, but one of the little girls pulled
her skirt and said, in pleading tones: "Ma, let's do!" and Billy
was already casting longing eyes at the big restaurant across the
way. She had not the heart to refuse. As they were crossing the
street, Asia stopped suddenly and cried:

"Ma, there's the 'Christmas Lady' gittin' in that hack! She seen