My dear sister and brother [Jimmy's mother had written], I wish you
could have seen Jimmy when your beautiful skates arrived. He will
write you himself and thank you, but I know he can't half make you
understand just what that present means to him, so I am going to write
you myself and tell you what he said; then maybe you can realize a
little what a great joy you have brought into his life.

And let me say right here that I myself have been blind all these
years. I have n't understood. And what I want to know is, how did you
find it out--what Jimmy wanted? How did you know? When I, his own
mother, never guessed! Why, even when the skates came on Christmas
Day, I was frightened and angry, because you had been so "thoughtless"
as to send my poor lame boy _skates_! And then--I could hardly believe
my own eyes and ears, for Jimmy, his face one flame of joy, was waving
a skate in each hand. "Mother, mother!" he was shouting. "See, I've
got a _boy_ present, a real boy present--just as if I was--like other
boys. I've always had books and puzzles and girl presents!
Everybody's thought of _them_ when they thought of _me_!" he cried,
thumping the crutches at his side. "But this is a _real_ present--
Now I've got something to show, and to lend--something that _is_
something!" And on and on he chattered, with me staring at him as if I
thought he was out of his head.

But he was n't out of his head. He was happy--happier than I've ever
seen him since he was hurt. And it still lasts. He shows those skates
to every one, and talks and talks about them, and has already made
plans to let his dearest friends try them. Best of all, they have
given him a new interest in life, and he is actually better. The
doctor says at this rate he'll be using the skates himself some day!

And now, how can I thank you--_you_ who have done this thing, who have
been so wise beyond his mother? I can only thank and thank you, and
send you my dearest love.

Your affectionate sister,

BERTHA

The senior member of the firm of Hawkins & Hawkins folded the letter
very hurriedly and tucked it into its envelope. There was a mist in
his eyes, and a lump in his throat--two most uncalled-for, unwelcome
phenomena. With a determined effort he cleared his throat and began to
speak.

"You see, Edith," he observed pompously, "your fears were quite
groundless, after all. This Christmas shopping, if reduced to a
system--" He paused suddenly