waiting, with a good deal more impatience and
curiosity than I showed. But such a world of pleasure and pain gathered
round that first "bit of Christmas"--so many, many thoughts of one and
the other kind--that I for awhile had enough with that. At last I closed
the case, and keeping it yet in one hand, used the other to make more
discoveries. The package labelled "From Mamma," took my attention next;
but I could make nothing of it. An elegant little box, that was all,
which I could not open; only it felt so very heavy that I was persuaded
there must be something extraordinary inside. I could make nothing of it:
it was a beautiful box; that was all. Preston had brought me a little
riding whip, both costly and elegant. I could not but be much pleased
with it. A large, rather soft package, marked with Aunt Gary's name,
unfolded a riding cap to match; at least, it was exceeding rich and
stylish, with a black feather that waved away in curves that called forth
Margaret's delighted admiration. Nevertheless, I wondered, while I
admired, at my Aunt Gary's choice of a present. I had a straw hat which
served all purposes, even of elegance, for my notions. I was amazed to
find that Miss Pinshon had not forgotten me. There was a decorated pen,
wreathed with a cord of crimson and gold twist, and supplemented with two
dangling tassels. It was excessively pretty, as I thought of Aunt Gary's
cap; and _not_ equally convenient. I looked at all these things while
Margaret was dressing me; but the case with the watch, for the most part,
I remember I kept in my hand.

"Ain't you goin' to try it on and see some how pretty it looks, Miss
Daisy?" said my unsatisfied attendant.

"The cap?" said I. "Oh, I dare say it fits. Aunt Gary knows how big my
head is."

"Mass' Preston come last night," she went on; "so I reckon Miss
Daisy'll want to wear it by and by."

"Preston come last night!" I said. "After I was in bed?"--and feeling
that it was indeed Christmas, I finished getting ready and went
downstairs. I made up my mind I might as well be friends with
Preston, and not push any further my displeasure at his behaviour. So
we had a comfortable breakfast. My aunt was pleased to see me, she
said, look so much better. Miss Pinshon was not given to expressing
what she felt; but she looked at me two or three times without saying
anything, which I suppose meant satisfaction. Preston was in high
feather, making all sorts of plans for my divertisement