But Helen said you couldn't have a Christmas-tree in a home where there were no kids; it was absurd for two grownup people to give each other a Christmas-tree.

Now, where is--" He began searching in the empty envelope.
With a quick stealthy movement, Aubrey put his foot upon the note.
"It is not here," said Ronnie, shaking out the thin sheets one by one, and tearing open the envelope.

"She has forgotten it, after all.

Well--I should think it will keep.

It can hardly have been important." "Evidently," remarked Aubrey, "third thoughts followed second thoughts.
Even Helen would scarcely put a lecture on economy into a welcome-home letter." "No, of course not," agreed Ronnie, and walked unsteadily to his chair.
Aubrey, stooping, transferred the note from beneath his foot to his pocket.
Ronald read his letter through again, then turned to Aubrey.
"Look here," he said.