had arrived three days before, and were to divide
their month's stay in Oakdale between the Gibsons of Hawk's Nest, an
estate several miles from Oakdale, and the Brights. Jessica's aunt, Mr.
Bright's only sister, who had never married, now presided over the
Bright household, with a grace and hospitality that gained for her not
only the reputation of a delightful hostess, but the adoration of
Jessica's friends as well.

It was now the day before Christmas, and that evening Grace had invited
her dearest friends to help her keep Christmas Eve.

"Just as though we could get along without Miriam!" she exclaimed
enthusiastically. "You haven't any idea, Mother, what a power for good
she is at Overton. It isn't half so much what she says as the way she
says it. She has so much tact. Elfreda worships her."

"I am sorry Elfreda could not come home with you," commented Mrs.
Harlowe.

"We were all sorry," returned Grace regretfully. "She may run down for a
day before we go back to college. We have promised her a winter picnic
in Upton Wood and a supper at old Jean's if she comes. That ought to
tempt her. Oh, there's the bell. I know that is Anne! She promised to be
here early. The Eight Originals are going to trim the tree, you know."

Grace rushed to the front door to open it for Anne, who staggered into
the hall, her arms full of packages. "Oh, catch them," she gasped. "I'm
going to drop them all and two of them are breakable."

Grace sprang forward to relieve Anne of her load. One fat package fell
to the floor and rolled under the living-room sofa. Grace made a
laughing dive after it. Then, dropping to her knees, peered under the
sofa, dragged it forth in triumph and presented it to Anne.

Anne thanked her. "It is for Hippy," she smiled. "You might know that it
would behave in an extraordinary manner. I've been so busy this morning.
I was up before seven, helped Mother with the breakfast, went on a
shopping expedition, and now I'm here. It isn't eleven o'clock yet,
either."

"Imagine Everett Southard's leading woman washing dishes," smiled Grace.

"She did, though," rejoined Anne cheerfully, "and swept the dining room
and kitchen, too. I have an invitation to deliver. I am going to
entertain the Eight Originals and Mrs. Gray at my house next Tuesday
evening. You'll receive a real summons to my party by mail."

"How formal," said Grace gayly. "However, Miss Harlowe accepts with
pleasure Miss Pierson's kind invitation,