Page:Anna Chapin--Half a dozen boys.djvu/351

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“That’s most everybody,” said Ted, as he set down his empty glass.

“It ought to include all the world, on the eve of the New Year,” answered Bess gently.

The last good-night had been said, and the boys were gone, leaving Fred and Bess standing together in the hall.

“Need I go to bed yet?” asked Fred. “I’m not sleepy a bit, even if it is late.”

“No, dear; I have several things I want to talk over with you,” said Bess, smiling happily  to herself as she led the way back to the  library fire.

Fred settled himself on a hassock at her feet, in his favorite position, and turned his face to  listen. But Bess seemed in no hurry to begin the conversation. She thoughtfully stroked and patted the boy’s face, and played with his hair. Suddenly she asked,—