thoughtless apprentices had
played a joke upon the little cashgirl.

"It is only the nonsense of those rogues upstairs. I'll take the doll
back and tell them they must fix it to-night, or I'll complain of them
for their fooling at this busy time," she announced, energetically; for
she noted the twitching around the corners of Katy's mouth,
notwithstanding the child's brave effort at self-control.

Katy went off partially comforted.

"It's mean to tease a child in that way," added Julia, in an audible
aside, as she laid the doll on the shelf behind, and wished that the
lady to whom she was showing some very handsome dolls would finish her
choice, so that she might get a free minute to run up to the mending
room again. But the interest of the customer had been awakened by the
little drama enacted before her.

"What is the matter?" she inquired, cordially.

Julia looked disconcerted; but the lady had such a sweet and noble
face, and her manner was so winning, that the girl found herself
telling briefly not only the history of Katy's doll, but of Katy and
Ellie too. It was not a waste of time either; for while she talked the
purchaser made one or two additional selections, and then, after giving
directions concerning them, passed on.

"Do you know who that was?" asked Katy, rushing up as the lady turned
into another aisle of the store.

"Yes: Mrs. M----, of 34th Street. Of course she left her address for
the parcels," replied Julia.

"It's my Rose-lady, as I call her,--don't you remember the one who gave
me the pretty flower?" cried the child.

"Why, so it is!" rejoined Julia. "Well, she's a lovely lady certainly.
She happened to ask what the trouble was about the doll; and was so
interested I couldn't help telling how you had saved and planned to get
it for Ellie, and all about it."

"Mercy! did you?" answered the child, in confusion. "My, but you're
the talker, Julia! What would the likes of her care to hear about
that!"

The store kept open till half-past eleven Christmas Eve; but at length
the last customer was gone, and the employees were allowed to choose
their presents. Katy skipped around with joy when the doll was put
into her arms. After a moment, however, Julia whisked it away again,
and sent it to be packed in a box. The box proved to be large and
clumsy, but this was accounted for upon the plea of haste.

"Well, good-night and merry Christmas, Julia!" said the little
cashgirl, gratefu