Last week when I was over at Taunton , Mr. Fisher had his store all gayified up , ' as Jim says , with Christmas presents . I did feel that I 'd ask nothing better than to go in and buy all the lovely things I wanted , just for once , and give them to the children tomorrow morning . They 've never had anything really nice for Christmas . But there ! We 've all got each other and good health and spirits , and a Christmas would n't be much without those if we had all the presents in the world . '' Mr. Joseph nodded . `` That 's so . I do n't want to grumble ; but I tell you I did want to get Maggie a ` real live doll , ' as she calls it . She never has had anything but homemade dolls , and that small heart of hers is set on a real one . There was one at Fisher 's store today -- a big beauty with real hair , and eyes that opened and shut . Just fancy Maggie 's face if she saw such a Christmas box as that tomorrow morning . '' `` Do n't let 's fancy it , '' laughed Mrs. Joseph , `` it is only aggravating . Talking of candy reminds me that I made a big plateful of taffy for the children today . It 's all the ` Christmassy ' I could give them . I 'll get it out and put it on the table along with the children 's presents . That ca n't be someone at the door ! '' `` It is , though , '' said Mr. Joseph as he strode to the door and flung it open . Two snowed-up figures were standing on the porch . As they stepped in , the Josephs recognized one of them as Mr. Ralston , a wealthy merchant in a small town fifteen miles away . `` Late hour for callers , is n't it ? ''
said Mr. XXXXX .
Christmassy Fisher Jim Joseph Josephs Maggie Ralston Taunton hour plateful