nkle up your face just like Nanny when she says
she'll shake the naughty out of me, Miss Prudy."

Then what could Susy do but forgive the sweet sister, who kissed her so
coaxingly, and looked as innocent as a poor little kitty that has been
stealing cream without knowing it is a sin?

It was plain that it would not do to trust Prudy with secrets. Her brain
could not hold them, any more than a sieve can hold water. So Mrs.
Parlin took pity upon Susy, and allowed her and her cousin Florence
Eastman to lock themselves into her chamber at certain hours, and work
at their presents without interruption.

While the little girls sat together busily employed with book-marks and
pin-cushions, the time flew very swiftly, and they were as happy as bees
in a honeysuckle.

Mrs. Parlin said she believed nothing less than Christmas presents would
ever make Susy willing to use a needle and thread; for she disliked
sewing, and declared she wished the man who made the needles had to
swallow them all.

The family were to celebrate Christmas evening; for Mr. Parlin was away,
and might not reach home in season for Christmas eve.

For a wonder they were not to have a Tree, but a Santa Claus, "just for
a change."

"Not a truly Santa Claus, that comes puffin' down the chimney,"
explained Prudy, who knew very well it would be only cousin Percy under
a mask and white wig.

CHAPTER II.

BEFORE DAYLIGHT.

On Christmas morning, at three o'clock, there was a great bustle and
pattering of little feet, and buzzing of little voices trying to speak
in whispers. Susy and Prudy were awake and astir.

"Where _do_ you s'pose the stockings are?" buzzed Prudy, in a very loud
whisper.

"Right by the bed-post, Prudy Parlin; and if you don't take care we'll
wake everybody up.--'Sh! 'Sh!"

"Mine's pinned on," said Prudy; "and I've pricked my fingers. O deary
me!"

"Well, of course you've waked 'em all now," exclaimed Susy,
indignantly: "I might have pricked my fingers to pieces, but I wouldn't
have said a word."

Mr. and Mrs. Parlin, who were in the next room, were wide awake by this
time; but they said nothing, only listened to the whispers of the
children, which grew fainter, being smothered and kept down by mouthfuls
of candy, lozenges, and peanuts.

The little girls longed for daybreak. The sun, however, seemed to be in
no haste, and it was a long while before there was a peep of light. Susy
and Prudy waited, wondering whether th