Broussard remained on his knees, too, thinking he was praying, but in reality worshipping Anita.

Presently, she rose and passed out into the cold, gray dawn.

Broussard went out, too, meaning to intercept her and walk home with her.

But at the door Kettle appeared, carrying in his arms the After-Clap, now nearly three years old, and capable of making a great deal of noise.

At once, he sent up a shout for "'Nita!" and Anita, cruelly oblivious of Broussard's claims, took the After-Clap by the hand and ran off to see his Christmas tree--that being the After-Clap's day.