f her. The lonesome old lady almost
lived on Anne's semi-weekly visits, but the girl was too busy to give
any more of her time to reading aloud or driving with her benefactor.

Finally Mrs. Gray took a bold step. She invited the four girls to meet
at another Sunday luncheon, and announced her intentions from the head
of the table.

"My dear children," she said, "you are aware that I am a very old
woman."

"We are not aware of anything of the sort, Mrs. Gray," interrupted
Grace.

"Nevertheless I am," pursued Mrs. Gray. "A very old, lonesome person
with few pleasures. I have decided, therefore, to do an exceedingly
selfish thing, and give myself a real treat."

"You deserve it if anyone in the world does, Mrs. Gray," put in Jessica.
"You who are always giving other people treats."

"Wait until you hear the plan, child, before you pass judgment,"
answered Mrs. Gray. "It's been too many years to count since I have had
a really, jolly Christmas," she continued. "I have just sat here in this
quiet old house, and let the holidays roll over me without even noticing
them."

"Now, Mrs. Gray," exclaimed Grace, "the poor people in Oakdale would not
agree with you on that point. Only last Christmas I saw your carriage
stopping in front of the Flower Mission, and it was simply bursting with
presents."

"Yes, yes, my dear. It is the easiest thing in the world to give
presents and not so much pleasure after all. What I want is some actual
fun, good Christmas cheer and plenty of young people. But I shall have
to be selfish if I'm to get it all, because it will mean that I'm to rob
mothers and fathers for a whole week of their children. Mr. and Mrs.
Harlowe will have to learn to do without you, Grace, for seven days and
nights. Your father, Jessica, must keep his own house. Nora, your
brothers and sister must not expect to see you at all while you belong
to me. As for my precious Anne, here, I should just like to steal her
away altogether from her mother. In fact, my dears, I am going to adopt
you for a whole week during the holidays and then--such larks!"

And the charming old lady looked so gay and pretty that the girls all
laughed joyously.

"Do you mean that you really want us to make you a visit, Mrs. Gray?"

"I do indeed. That is the exceedingly selfish wish I have been
entertaining for the last six weeks. I not only want it, but I have
arranged for it already. I have made secret calls, my dears, and mothers
and fath