magic, the tree was alight with
many gaily-colored electric bulbs, which gleamed and sparkled so
gloriously that they all gasped and gazed in wonder.

While the refreshments were being prepared, Ethel and Doris started a
game, to the winner of which a prize "stocking" was given. Just as this
was concluded, Miss Phillips called that they were ready.

Behind the tree there had been a row of screens to hide the
preparations. Now these were removed, and the most beautiful sight that
the children had ever seen appeared before their eyes. A table piled
with goodies of every kind decorated with holly and mistletoe and
Christmas candles and candies. Three large bowls in the center of the
table contained red strings which extended to every child's place.

The little guests sat down and pulled their red ribbons--and to their
great delight, each received another present. Then they began to eat.
There were chicken sandwiches, and cocoa with whipped cream, and
ice-cream, cake, candy, fruit, and nuts. The Scouts simply loaded their
plates, telling them that they might carry home what they could not eat.

They were having such a delightful party that they were all surprised
when six o'clock came, and Miss Phillips gave the signal for departure.
The Scouts put on their hats and coats, and, with their arms laden with
goodies, and gifts, and holly, the children returned to the village.

Lily reappeared, dressed in her Scout uniform, to accompany them. One of
the children, who had been looking at her closely for several minutes,
exclaimed abruptly,

"Santa Claus is a Girl Scout!"

The Scouts burst out laughing.

"He was this time," explained Edith, kindly; "for the real Santa had too
much to do, so he asked us to help him."

"You are _all_ Santa Clauses!" corrected the child. "I think Girl
Scouts are the most nicest people in the whole world!"

And Pansy troop, to the last girl, was satisfied with the work it had
accomplished and the real Christmas cheer it had brought to these
children's hearts.

CHAPTER XVI

THE VISIT TO HAMMERS'

The Christmas holidays had always meant a great deal to Marjorie. There
was not only the joy of the holiday season, and of giving and receiving
presents, but the pleasure of seeing the family and her old friends
again, of going to parties, and of entertaining. The preceeding year she
had given a house-party to the freshmen and sophomore members of the
sorority to which she belonged at