ten o'clock
An hour later found the family grouped around the breakfast table . Each member had been in to the sick-room and given his greeting to the dear invalid , who had appeared so bright and cheerful that he seemed almost like his old merry self . When Alsie was recounting to him all the pretty things she had found in her stocking , he said , teasingly , `` Now do n't get into mine , too -- I 'm going to wait until Uncle Dick and his little tots come before I take my allotted hour in the library . '' By ten o'clock Uncle Dick 's family had arrived , and the big , stalwart son went into the sick-room to assist the pale , weak father into the library . A pang came to the heart of the former as he thought of what a contrast was this Christmas with the one of a year before , when the now wasted form had been so vigorous and handsome . A feeling of misgiving came as to what the next Christmas would bring to them . When the chair was rolled into the library , what a sight was displayed to the wondering eyes of the astonished old gentleman !