I hadn't decided. A few more books, and a gold thimble, and a
smelling-bottle, and a music-box, perhaps."

"Poor Carol," laughed the child, merrily, "she can afford to give up
these lovely things, for there will still be left Uncle Jack, and
Donald, and Paul, and Hugh, and Uncle Rob, and Aunt Elsie, and a dozen
other people to fill her Christmas stocking!"

So Carol had her way, as she generally did; but it was usually a good
way, which was fortunate, under the circumstances; and Sarah Maud had a
set of Miss Alcott's books, and Peter a modest silver watch, Cornelius
a tool-chest, Clement a dog-house for his lame puppy, Larry a
magnificent Noah's ark, and each of the younger girls a beautiful doll.

You can well believe that everybody was very merry and very thankful.
All the family, from Mr. Bird down to the cook, said that they had never
seen so much happiness in the space of three hours; but it had to end,
as all things do. The candles flickered and went out, the tree was left
alone with its gilded ornaments, and Mrs. Bird sent the children
downstairs at half past eight, thinking that Carol looked tired.

"Now, my darling, you have done quite enough for one day," said Mrs.
Bird, getting Carol into her little nightgown. "I'm afraid you will feel
worse tomorrow, and that would be a sad ending to such a charming
evening."

"Oh, wasn't it a lovely, lovely time," sighed Carol. "From first to
last, everything was just right. I shall never forget Larry's face when
he looked at the turkey; nor Peter's when he saw his watch; nor that
sweet, sweet Kitty's smile when she kissed her dolly; nor the tears in
poor, dull Sarah Maud's eyes when she thanked me for her books; nor"--

"But we mustn't talk any longer about it tonight," said Mrs. Bird,
anxiously; "you are too tired, dear."

"I am not so very tired, Mamma. I have felt well all day; not a bit of
pain anywhere. Perhaps this has done me good."

"Perhaps; I hope so. There was no noise or confusion; it was just a
merry time. Now, may I close the door and leave you alone, dear? Papa
and I will steal in softly by and by to see if you are all right; but I
think you need to be very quiet."

"Oh, I'm willing to stay by myself; but I am not sleepy yet, and I am
going to hear the music, you know."

"Yes, I have opened the window a little, and put the screen in front of
it, so that you won't feel the air."

"Can I have the shutters open? and won't you turn my bed, please? T