and marriages; and
the other one is for our chapter in the New Testament, you know."

"I think my lamp-mat is very pretty," said aunt Madge, kissing Susy;
"every bit as pretty as if Prudy hadn't 'been and told.'"

Prudy had bought a shawl-pin for her mother, a fierce little wooden
soldier for aunt Madge, and something for everybody else but Susy. Not
that she forgot Susy. O, no! but one's money does not always hold out,
even at Christmas time.

"Why," said Mr. Parlin, "what is this sticking fast to the sole of my
new slipper? Molasses candy, I do believe."

"Yes sir; that's for Susy," cried Prudy, suddenly remembering how she
had tucked it in at the last moment, when she could not stop to find any
wrapping-paper. "It isn't so big as it was, but it's the biggest piece I
had in this world. I saved it last night. Susy likes 'lasses candy, and
I couldn't think of nothin' else."

It was a wonder that Prudy's candy had not spoiled some of the nice
presents.

Susy received several pretty things; and though she did not talk quite
so much as Prudy, she was just as happy. For one thing, she had what she
had not dreamed was possible for a little girl--a bottle of otto of
rose; "just like a young lady."

This was a real delight to Susy: but Prudy, sniffing at it, said,
coolly, "O, ho! it smells 's if it didn't cost more'n a cent! 'Tisn't
half so sweet as pep'mint!"

Before Dotty could be put to bed, she had contrived to break several
toys, all of which happened to be Susy's--a sugar temple, a glass
pitcher, and a small vase.

This was an evening long to be remembered; but the most remarkable event
of all was to come.

"Susy, my daughter," said Mr. Parlin, "have you been wondering why you
don't see a present from me?"

Susy blushed. She had certainly expected something handsome this year
from her father.

"I haven't forgotten you, my dear; but the present I have chosen
wouldn't sit very well on the shoulders of such a little fellow as Santa
Claus."

Percy laughed. "Wouldn't it have been a load, uncle?"

"Hush!" whispered aunt Madge; "she isn't to know till morning."

"But, papa," said Susy, her eyes shining with excitement, "why couldn't
you bring it in here now?"

"It is better off out of doors. Indeed, to tell the truth, my child, it
is hardly suitable for the parlor."

"Now, Miss Susy," said Percy, measuring off his words on the tips of his
fingers, "I'm authorized to tell you it's something you mustn't ta