Prompt for the 21st of December Watson enlists Holmes's help cheering up Gregson, who has lost touch with the true meaning of Christmas.
"What do you expect me to do?" I demand to know. "Really Watson! I can hardly be called a Christmas Pixie!"
He attempts to hide a smile. "Indeed not, in your black suit - you look rather more like an undertaker."
"And I am sure that an undertaker would be better suited to cheering his fellow man than I! Why do you want my help?"
"Because," says my irksome companion as he takes my arm, "it will do you as much good as it will Inspector Gregson - do come along Holmes! You have half an hour to make yourself presentable."
Why we have to entertain the fellow I shall never understand, but I am soon coerced into changing into my finest dinner jacket. I have not long resumed my seat beside the fire when the bell rings.
"Behave yourself," warns Watson. "No business talk this evening, if you do not mind."
Humph! I do mind - what is the point of entertaining a Yarder if I cannot even discuss a case with the fellow. "Pah!"
Watson addresses me with a glare and then graciously welcomes our guest.
I arranged the meal myself - partridge and woodcock, venison, the finest winter vegetables (not cabbage), with oysters as a starter and a large Christmas cake for afterwards, accompanied with a fine port. I have clearly done well, for Gregson soon brightens up.