ight before for some window decoration.

"I won't go back to the house until I get some holly," thought the
child. She wiped away her fast-falling tears and set her sharp little
wits to work. This was the most scarce time in the whole winter for
holly berries, the greater number of them having been used for church
and Christmas decorations; but Judy, whose keen eyes noticed Nature in
all her aspects, suddenly remembered that on the borders of a lake
nearly a mile away grew another holly tree--a small and unremarkable
bush which might yet contain sufficient bright berries for her purpose.
Without an instant's hesitation she determined to walk that mile and
reach that tree. She must go quickly if she would be back before anyone
noticed her. She was particularly anxious that her gift should not be
seen in advance. Running, racing, and scrambling she effected her
purpose, reached the tree, secured some berries and leaves, and returned
to the house wet through and very tired.

Babs was rubbing her eyes and stretching her limbs in her snug bed in
the nursery when her sister came back.

"Oh, Judy, what have you been doing?" she exclaimed, sitting up and
staring in round-eyed astonishment.

"Hush, Babs," said Judy, "don't speak for a moment--don't say a single
word until I have locked the door."

"But you oughtn't to lock the door. Miss Mills doesn't wish it."

"I am going to disobey her."

"But you'll be punished."

"I don't care."

The key was turned in the lock, and Judy, going over to Babs' bed,
exhibited her spoils.

"See," she said, "here's my wedding present."

"Did you go to fetch those holly berries this morning?" asked Babs.

"Yes, I did, and I had to go a long way for them too; that horrid,
wicked old Barnes had cut away my bough, and I had to go all the way to
the lake."

"Your feet do look so sloppy and wet."

"So they are, they are soaking; I forgot to put on my boots."

"Oh, won't you catch an awful cold! won't Miss Mills be angry!"

"Never mind; I'll change my stockings and shoes after I have arranged
my present."

"It's such a funny wedding present," said Babs. "Do you think Hilda will
like it?"

"She'll do more than like it: she'll love it. Don't talk to me any
more--I'm too busy to answer you."

Babs fidgeted and mumbled to herself. Judy stood with her back to her.
She used her little fingers deftly--her taste as to arrangement and
color was perfect. The sharp thorns pricked her poor