Ruggles family, whose back yard joined their garden, gathered at
the door and wondered what was "up" in the big house.


IV.
"BIRDS OF A FEATHER FLOCK TOGETHER."

Uncle Jack did really come on the twentieth. He was not detained
by business, nor did he get left behind nor snowed up, as
frequently happens in stories, and in real life too, I am
afraid. The snow-storm came also; and the turkey nearly died a
natural and premature death from over-eating. Donald came, too;
Donald, with a line of down upon his upper lip, and Greek and
Latin on his tongue, and stores of knowledge in his handsome
head, and stories--bless me, you couldn't turn over a chip
without reminding Donald of something that happened "at College."

One or the other was always at Carol's bedside, for they fancied
her paler than she used to be, and they could not bear her out of
sight. It was Uncle lack, though, who sat beside her in the
winter twilights. The room was quiet, and almost dark, save for
the snow-light outside, and the flickering flame of the fire,
that danced over the "Sleeping Beauty's" face, and touched the
Fair One's golden locks with ruddier glory. Carol's hand (all
too thin and white these latter days) lay close clasped in Uncle
Jack's, and they talked together quietly of many, many things.
"I want to tell you all about my plans for Christmas this year,
Uncle Jack," said Carol, on the first evening of his visit,
"because it will be the loveliest one I ever had. The boys laugh
at me for caring so much about it; but it isn't altogether