were extremely becoming, and Patty's pretty face, with its soft
colour and smiling eyes, rose like a flower from the white fur at her
throat.

"Yes, aren't they beautiful?" Patty responded. "Father just gave them to
me, and I'm so pleased with them."

"And well you may be. Now, you girls run away and play, for I've a
thousand things to do."

Indeed, Mrs. Farrington was in a whirlpool of presents that she was both
sending and receiving. Maids and footmen were running hither and thither,
bringing messages or carrying out orders, and as the whole house was full
of warmth and light, and the spicy fragrance of Christmas greens, Patty
fairly revelled in the pleasant atmosphere.

She was of a nature very susceptible to surroundings. Like a cat, she
loved to bask in warm sunshine, or in a luxurious, softly-furnished
place. Moreover, she was fond of Elise, and so looked forward to her
three days' visit with glad anticipation.

After Patty had laid aside her things, the two girls sat down to chat in
the big hall on the second floor of the mansion. A wood-fire was blazing,
and soft, red-shaded lights cast a delightful glow.

"Elise," said Patty, somewhat suddenly, "don't you think we have too much
riches and things?"

Elise stared at her.

"What do you mean?" she asked.

Patty laughed at her friend's blank expression, but she went on.

"I mean just what I say. Of course, you have lots more riches and things
than I have; but I think we all have too much when we think of the poor
people who haven't any."

"Oh, you mean Socialism," exclaimed Elise, suddenly enlightened.

"No, I don't mean Socialism. I mean plain, every-day charity. Don't you
think we ought to give away more?"

"Why, yes, if you like," said Elise, who was greatly puzzled. "Do you
want me to subscribe to some charity? I will."

"Well, perhaps I'll hold you to that," said Patty, slowly; "for after the
holidays I'm going to try to do something in the matter. I don't know
just what; I haven't thought it out yet. But I'm not going to be what my
father calls a 'mere social butterfly,' and I don't believe you want to,
either."

"No, I don't; but do leave it all till after the holidays, Patty, for now
I want you to help me with some Christmas presents."

Elise looked so worried and so beseeching that Patty laughed. Then she
kissed her, and said: "All right, Lisa mine. Command me. My services are
at your disposal."

So the girls went up to the Sun Parlour