It was quite dark when she finished , and the twins were nodding , but Jimmy 's eyes were wide open and sparkling . `` That was great , '' he said , drawing a long breath . `` Tell us another . '' `` No , it 's bedtime for you all , '' said Theodora firmly . `` One story at a time is my rule , you know . '' `` But I want to sit up till Mother comes home , '' objected Jimmy . `` You ca n't . She may be very late , for she would have to wait to see Mr. Porter . Besides , you do n't know what time Santa Claus might come -- if he comes at all . If he were to drive along and see you children up instead of being sound asleep in bed , he might go right on and never call at all . '' This argument was too much for Jimmy . `` All right , we 'll go . But we have to hang up our stockings first . Twins , get yours . '' The twins toddled off in great excitement , and brought back their Sunday stockings , which Jimmy proceeded to hang along the edge of the mantel shelf . This done , they all trooped obediently off to bed . Theodora gave another sigh , and seated herself at the window , where she could watch the moonlit prairie for Mrs. Martin 's homecoming and knit at the same time . I am afraid that you will think from all the sighing Theodora was doing that she was a very melancholy and despondent young lady . You could n't think anything more unlike the real Theodora . She was the jolliest , bravest girl of sixteen in all Saskatchewan , as her shining brown eyes and rosy , dimpled cheeks would have told you ; and her sighs were not on her own account , but simply for fear the children were going to be disappointed .
She knew that they would be almost heartbroken if Santa Claus did not XXXXX , and that this would hurt the patient hardworking little mother more than all else .
Tell being come drive gave going nodding think trooped watch