of 'The Chimes.' Thank you for getting the automobile out to take me
to--"

"No trouble at all, my dear fellow," cried Mr. Bingle, shaking hands
with the departing guest. "I wish you a Merry Christmas."

Flanders' face was glowing. "It will be the merriest Christmas I've
ever known, Mr. Bingle," he said, his voice husky with emotion. "I owe
it to you, too. By Jove, sir, I believe I am the happiest man in all
the world." He almost shook the little man's arm out of its socket.

Mr. Bingle's smile was meant to be beaming. He made a valiant effort
to rise above the catastrophe that was to make his Christmas the most
miserable he had ever known.

"Come to see us every Christmas Eve, my boy, if it puts you in such
good spirits to see the--the kiddies--" his voice quavered a little--
"and to hear the 'Carol.' You will always find the latchstring out."

"No other Christmas Eve will be as glorious as this one, sir," said
Dick, gently dragging his host into the hall and lowering his voice to
a thrilling undertone. "Not in a million years. Why, it is positively
bewildering. I wonder if I'm awake. Is it really true? I--I can't
believe that it really happened. Take a good, long look at me, please.
You DO see me, don't you? I am really standing here in your house--"

"What in the world are you talking about?" gasped Mr. Bingle, drawing
back a step or two. Mr. Flanders grabbed him by the arm. "Ouch!"

"I beg pardon, sir--I didn't mean to be rough," cried Flanders. "I'm