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Without Neale ONeil, Ruth found that the table could be much better balanced. Mrs. Eland sat between Tess and Dot on one side of the long board, while Miss Pepperills place was between the two older Corner House girls.
Uncle Rufus came in chuckling toward the close of the meal and whispered something to Ruth. Almost immediately she excused Tess and Dot to run up for their dolls. The presents were to be taken off the tree and there might be some for the Alice-doll and Tess most treasured doll, too.
When the little folks returned something had disturbed the green boughs in the chimney-place. Dot had only begun to eye that place of mystery with growing curiosity, when there was a shaking of the branches, two mighty thumps upon the brick hearth, and pushing through the greenery came Santa Claus himself.
Merry Christmas! And the best of ivrything to ye! cried the good saint jovially.
Oh, my! gasped Dot. Is is it the really truly Santa Claus?
I dont believe that Santa is Irish, whispered Tess. This is just in fun! But she could not imagine, any more than did Dot, who it was behind the mask and great paunch that disguised the Santa Claus.
They all hailed him merrily, however. Even Miss Pepperill and Aunt Sarah entered into the play to a degree. Santa Claus went to the tree and they all sat along the opposite side of the cleared table, facing him. With many a quip and jest he brought the packages and presented them to those whose names were written on the wrappers. At one place quite a little pile of presents were gathered, all addressed to Neale ONeil.
Oh, dear me! sighed Tess, almost overcome with joy, yet thinking of the absent one. If Neale were only here! I do so want to see how he likes his presents.
But Neale did not come. The two little girls finally tripped up to bed with their arms full. Then the party broke up and the masquerading Santa Claus took off his paunch and false face in the kitchen.
Shure I promised the lad Id do it for him, said Mr. Con Murphy, accepting a piece of Agnes cake and sitting down to enjoy it. No, hes not mad wid yez. Shure not!
But why didnt he come to dinner? demanded Agnes, quickly.
He aint here, said the cobbler, quietly. Hes gone away.
Do you mean hes gone away from your house? asked Ruth, curiously, for Agnes was too much surprised to speak.
Shure, hes gone away from Milton entirely, said the little Irishman.
What for? demanded both girls together.
Begorra! he didnt say, now, said Mr. Murphy, slowly. Come to think of ut, he niver told me. But I knowed the letter puzzled him.
What letter? asked Ruth.
He never told me he got a letter, cried Agnes, much put out.
It was there last evening when he got home. The postman brought it jest before supper, said Mr. Murphy, reflectively. Ye, see, Neale was over here all the evening and
shure, he didnt see the letter till he come home.
Oh! was the chorused exclamation.
I see he was troubled in his mind this mornin, said the cobbler. Whats atin on yer mind, lad? says I to him. But niver a worrd did he reply to me till afther hed been over here and come back again. Then he came downstairs with his bist cloes on and his bag in his hand.
For pitys sake! wailed Agnes, where has he gone?
He didnt say, returned the old Irishman, shaking his head. Neale can be as tight-mouthed as a clam so he can.
But he did not go off without saying a word to you? cried Ruth.
No, not so. He says: Con, Ive gotter go. Tis me duty. I hate mesilf for going; but Id hate meself worse if I didnt go. Now! kin ye make head nor tail of that? For shure, I cant, finished the cobbler.
The two Corner House girls stared at each other. Neither of them could see into this mystery any deeper than did Mr. Con Murphy.
CHAPTER IX RUTH IS SUSPICIOUS
Good morning, Mr. Crouch, she said to the latter gentleman. Will you look at this bill?
Merry Christmas to you, Miss Ruth, said the teller. What is the matter with the bill? and he took the one she tendered him.
Perhaps you can tell me better than I can tell you, Ruth returned, laughing; yet she looked a bit anxious, too, and her hand trembled.
Has somebody been giving you a phony ten dollar note? asked the teller, taking up his glass and screwing it into his eye.
I am not sure, replied Ruth, hesitatingly.
Or is it a Christmas present and you are looking a gift horse in the mouth? and Mr. Crouch chuckled as he bent above the banknote. This appears to be all right. Do you want it broken or changed for another note?
No-o. I guess not. I only wanted to be sure, Ruth said. Of course you cant be mistaken, Mr. Crouch?
Mistaken? Of course I can, he cried. Did you ever hear of a mere human who wasnt sometimes mistaken? and he laughed again.
About that being a good bill, I mean, she said, trying to laugh with him.
Im so sure that Im willing to exchange good money for it, he said, with confidence. I can say no more than that.
Ruth gravely folded the bill again and tucked it into one compartment of her purse, by itself. She looked very serious all the way home with her laden basket.