`` I was invalided from South Africa three months ago , and I 've been in the hospital at Netley ever since . Reached Halifax three days ago and telegraphed the old folks I 'd eat my Christmas dinner with them , and to have an extra-big turkey because I did n't have any last year . They 'll be badly disappointed . '' He looked disappointed too . One khaki sleeve hung empty by his side . Aunt Cyrilla passed him an apple . `` We were all going down to Grandpa 's for Christmas , '' said the little mother 's oldest boy dolefully . `` We 've never been there before , and it 's just too bad . '' He looked as if he wanted to cry but thought better of it and bit off a mouthful of candy . `` Will there be any Santa Claus on the train ? '' demanded his small sister tearfully . `` Jack says there wo n't . '' `` I guess he 'll find you out , '' said Aunt Cyrilla reassuringly . The pale , pretty girl came up and took the baby from the tired mother . `` What a dear little fellow , '' she said softly . `` Are you going home for Christmas too ? '' asked Aunt Cyrilla . The girl shook her head . `` I have n't any home . I 'm just a shop girl out of work at present , and I 'm going to Pembroke to look for some . ''
XXXXX Cyrilla went to her basket and took out her box of cream candy .
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