she said severely. "I shall
write to both families and explain, of course. In fact, I have done
that already to John and Julia. But nothing, nothing can take away my
mortification that such a thing should have occurred at all. And when
I took so much pains in selecting those presents, to get suitable ones
for both boxes. I can't forgive you, Polly Ann; I just can't. And,
what's more, I don't see how in the world you did it. I am positive
that I had each thing marked carefully, and--"

She did not finish her sentence. Sarah Bird brought in a letter, and
with a petulant exclamation Margaret Brackett tore it open.

"It's from Mary," she cried as soon as Sarah Bird had left the room;
"and--goodness, look at the length of it! Here, you read it, Polly
Ann. It's lighter by the window." And she passed the letter to her
niece.

_Dear Cousin Margaret_ [read Polly Ann aloud]: I wonder if I can
possibly tell you what that Christmas box was to us. I 'm going to
try, anyway; but I don't believe, even then, that you'll quite
understand it, for you never were just as we are, and you'd have to be
to know what that box was to us.

You see we can't buy nice things, really nice things, ever. There are
always so many "have-to-gets" that there is never anything left for the
"want-to-gets"; and so we had to do without--till your box came. And
then--but just let me tell you what did happen when it did come.

The expressman brought it Christmas Eve, and Joe opened it at once.
Mother and I and all the children stood around watching him. You
should have heard the "Ohs!" and "Ahs!" of delight when the pretty
white packages all tied with red ribbons were brought to light. By the
way, Nellie has captured all those red ribbons, and her entire family
of dolls is rejoicing in a Merry Christmas of their own in consequence.

As for the presents themselves--I don't know where to begin or how to
say it; but I'll begin with myself, and try to make you understand.

That beautiful Duchesse lace collar! I love it already, and I'm
actually vain as a peacock over it. I had made over mother's black
silk for myself this fall, and I did so want some nice lace for it!
You've no idea how beautiful, really beautiful, the dress looks with
that collar. I shan't cry now when I'm invited anywhere. It's a pity,
and I'm ashamed that it is so; but clothes do make such a difference.

Mother is fairly reveling in that lovely silk and lace workbag.