It enabled him to collect his ideas and think.

But his thoughts still ran on Christmas and his loneliness.
Why should not he give a Christmas dinner and invite his friends?
Yes, that was what he would do.

Whom should he ask?
His mind began to run over the list.

Every one he knew had his own house; and as to friends--why, he didn't have any friends! He had only acquaintances.

He stopped suddenly, appalled by the fact.