it looks as if this was the particular question which has been adjusted and Dad. thinks possibly things will be held up till Harry B. comes of age, as Mr. Parks said that I who would be the next heir at law would be in the same position as Dad. as far as taking the name & arms was concerned and that Harry B. being an infant would have no chance to refuse until he was of age. It is rather disconcerting and seems ridiculous that a fund could be held up for such a long time over a little technicality especially as Mr. Parks says the estate over there now are very much against that sort of thing. He also said that if this judge decided adversely he would appeal it and that the appeal court is not bound by any precedent nor by the decision of a lower court, but in any case no cheerio for Christmas.

Thursday December 24th

It was this morning that Frank came out with a copy of a cablegram from Mr. Parks reading "Opinion your ultimate success, right heirs defeated, fund must go to Barrett family, suggest meeting you in New York." Of course none of us can figure out the exact meaning of it, but as near as we can guess it means that the court has decided against the right heirs in favour of the Barrett family but has not decided yet whether Dad. or Harry B. shall get it but in Mr. Parks own opinion Dad will be successful when the case is finally settled What he means by meeting him in New York we can't imagine but suppose he wants to appear still cheerful and suggests meetin Dad. halfway when he eventually goes to England. There is at least a ray of hope in this last message. Frank stayed all morning and washed up the dishes and did several chores around the house. He would not stay to dinner.

Marj. got up this afternoon and dressed all by herself. I was in the kitchen and was very much surprised when she walke dout. She naturally felt very weak & shaky but has sat up all the after noon and evening and superintended the hanging of the three stockings, small, smaller & smallest on the back of the old armchair wnhere she used to hang her own Christmas eve when they were the same size as the ones that hang there to-night. I soent the evening getting some last minte fixings on an aero"bird" that Harry B has been expecting Santa Claus to bring him A huge parcel cam efrom Dorrie & Miss Bain to-day conaining. aplum pudding in a bag some shortcake and "brownies" and several other things which we are not opening till to-morrow. Miss martin also semnt a parcel of things among them a most comical looking monkey