at she had grown up a very selfish girl, and even the
influence of school life, wholesome though it was, had not been able so
far to undo the ill effects of her home training. The first few days at
Thorncroft were naturally occupied with preparations for Christmas.
Patty was very anxious to send some little gifts home to the children,
and spent much time and thought planning how she could most
advantageously lay out the few shillings of pocket money which she
possessed. It was a difficult matter when there were so many presents
required, and one which demanded serious consideration. In lack of any
other confidant, she talked it over with Muriel.

"There's the tray-cloth for Mother, which I worked at school," she said.
"That's quite finished, and it looks very nice, only a little crushed.
Aunt Lucy says Emma shall iron it out for me. I wish I could think of
something for Father. Can you suggest anything?"

Muriel shook her head.

"I can't," she replied. "I'm in the same difficulty nearly every year.
There seems nothing you can give to a gentleman that he really cares
for. I've made shaving cloths, and cigarette cases, and match-box
holders, and heaps of other things for Father, and he always says 'Thank
you!' and puts them away in his drawer, and never uses them. He must
have a whole pile of my presents somewhere."

"I thought of a blotter," said Patty, "but I know it would only be left
lying about in the surgery. Father has a stylo. pen, and hardly ever
needs blotting-paper. The little ones give him useful things--boxes of
matches, and railway guides, and cakes of soap."

"Cakes of soap!" laughed Muriel.

"Yes, why not? They can't think of anything else to buy. But I wanted
something nicer. I wish someone would publish a book on how to make
Christmas presents for one's father."

"They might suggest things, but they couldn't guarantee his using them
when they were made."

"It's much easier for the children," said Patty, "because I know exactly
what they'd like."

"That's no trouble, then," yawned Muriel. "We shall be going into town
to-morrow. You'll have plenty of choice at Archer's."

"Too much, I'm afraid," said Patty. "I shall want to buy all I see."

"Well, if I were you, I should get them each a shilling toy, and then
one wouldn't be better than another," said Muriel carelessly, rising and
putting an end to a conversation of which she was growing tired. "I'm
thankful to say my presents are all arranged