And Harry bore the general expenses of the "extras," which were not trifling.
When Christmas eve arrived everybody came to see Aunt Matilda's Christmas tree.

Kate and Harry were inside superintending the final arrangements, and about fifty or sixty persons, colored and white, were gathered around the closed door of the old cabin.

When all was ready Aunt Matilda made her appearance, supported on either side by Dick Ford and John Walker, while Uncle Braddock, in his many-colored dressing-gown, followed close behind.

Then the door was opened, and Aunt Matilda entered, followed by as many of the crowd as could get in.

It was certainly a scene of splendor.