.

"If it must be," Miss Drayton yielded reluctantly. "But we must not
spoil our Christmas. And, really, my sister is still too unwell to be
annoyed. After Christmas, if it must be."

"After Christmas, then," Mademoiselle submitted.

Anne threw herself into Mrs. Patterson's arms in an ecstasy of delight.
"I'm so glad that it hurts," she exclaimed. "I'd forgot what good times
there are in the world."

"Let me hold Honey-Sweet. She's too heavy for you," urged Pat.

"No, I thank you," laughed Anne. "She doesn't want to be a William
Tell's child or a Daniel in the lions' den. I was so glad you sent me
word to bring Honey-Sweet, Mrs. Patterson," she continued joyously. "I
wanted to bring her, and it's so much nicer when she's invited."

"I want you to lend her to me a little while," Mrs. Patterson answered.
"I'll not make her a William Tell's child or a Daniel in the lions' den.
I--let me whisper it so she'll not hear--I want to get her a Christmas
present and it is one I can't select in her absence."

They made the round of the shops, gay with Christmas decorations and
thronged with merry shoppers. Anne was full of eager excitement. Mrs.
Patterson gave her a little purse full of shining silver pieces, which
she was to spend as she pleased.

Anne clapped her hands with delight. "I'll buy a present for Elsie," she
said, "and perhaps I'll get something for Miss Morris and Louise."

"I would buy a gift for each of my classmates, if I were you," Mrs.
Patterson suggested. "It is pleasant to remember every one."

"O--oh!" Anne's face clouded. "But if they haven't been nice--"

"Those are the very ones to remember at Christmas time," interrupted
Mrs. Patterson. "Peace and good will! If there is any one who has been
especially un-nice to you, this is such a good time to be specially nice
to that person."

"But I'm not going to forgive Amelia," Anne asserted quietly but
positively.

"Well, well, dearie! we'll not talk about anything disagreeable to-day,"
said Mrs. Patterson. "But do you know, I think it would be fun to give
Amelia the nicest present of all?"

"Mademoiselle Duroc was pretty bad, too," said Anne.

"Then what about a nice present for Mademoiselle?" inquired Mrs.
Patterson. "But just as you like, dear. This is do-as-you-please day
for you and Pat. Now Honey-Sweet and I are going to do a little shopping
alone and then we'll rest and wait for you in the ladies' room."

"I like to do what you say," said A