d Bella, almost breathless with haste, "we were coming
down with these on our way to church, but--but we can't wait! That's with
my love. I've been bringing them on on purpose for you!" and she put down
before Aunt Maggie a pot of beautiful lily of the valley almost in full
bloom. The fragrance of them filled the room.

"Lilies!" cried Mrs. Langley delightedly, "lilies? Why, however did you
get them now, child? I never saw anything lovelier in my life?
Old Mrs. Twining'll go crazy over them. I never knew anybody love flowers
as she does. Thank you, Bella, dear," and she kissed the little
flower-grower warmly.

"I've made you a besom, Aunt Maggie, but it isn't very good, I am afraid,"
said Tom shyly. "I ain't very clever at it yet."

Aunt Maggie's pleasant face beamed. "Bless the boy!" she cried heartily,
"he always knows what I'm in want of. I shall find it ever so useful,
Tom."

"And I've got an orange for you," broke in Margery, who could keep quiet
no longer.

"And I've got some peppermints," said Charlie.

"Now fancy you two remembering what I like! Thank you, dears, ever so
much. Well, I didn't expect to carry my basket back full, I can tell you.
I am sorry I've got to hurry away now, but I'll be up again about four
o'clock. I hope you'll have a comfortable day, William. If I can do
anything to help, I shall be only too pleased. You will tell me, Miss
Hender, won't you? Well, good-bye for the time, and a happy Christmas to
you all!" and Aunt Maggie ran off as fast as she could go.

Then what excitement there was, as they all eagerly opened their parcels.
There was a warm muffler for their father, an apron for Miss Hender, a
pair of warm gloves for Bella and a thick pair for Tom for driving; for
Charlie there was a book, and for Margery a silver thimble.

"Just the very things we want!" cried Bella delightedly, "I shall wear
my gloves to church presently; I wanted some to keep my hands warm."

"I can't wear my fimble to church, I s'pose?" questioned Margery, looking
at it longingly.

"Oh no!" said Bella, "and if you could it wouldn't show under your
gloves."

"Could I carry it in my pocket?" pleaded Margery; she could not bear to be
parted from her new treasure so soon.

"You would most likely drag it out with your handkerchief and lose it.
What would you do then? You leave your thimble at home with father, and I
will lend you my muff, to keep your hands warm--if you will promise to