RIT

Patty soon returned, saying the country was saved, and now she was
ready for her presents.

And then everybody began untying things, and soon the whole place was
knee-deep in tissue papers and ribbons.

All exclaimed with delight at their own gifts, and then exclaimed with
delight at the others' gifts.

Mr. and Mrs. Kenerley gave Patty one of those Oriental garments known
as a Mandarin coat. It was of pale blue silk, heavy with elaborate
embroidery and gold braiding, and Patty was enchanted with it.

"Just what I wanted!" she exclaimed, "and I don't care if that _is_
what everybody always says, _I_ mean it! I've wanted one a long time.
They're so heavenly for party wraps or opera cloaks. Mona has a
beauty, but this is handsomer still."

"Yes, it is," admitted Mona; "and now open that box, Patty. It's my
gift to you, and I want to see if you like it."

"Oh, I know I shall like it, of course. Why, Mona Galbraith, if it
isn't a lace scarf! Real Brussels point! You generous girl, it's _too_
beautiful!"

"Isn't it lovely?" cried Daisy. "Now, this is mine to you, Patty. It
isn't nearly as handsome; it's just a bag."

"But what a grand one!" exclaimed Patty, as she unwrapped the
beautiful French confection. "I simply adore bags. I can't have too
many of them. My goodness! I'm getting as many presents as baby May!"

Sure enough, Patty was surrounded with gifts and trinkets of all
sorts. Philip's present was a small but exquisite water-color in a
gilded frame. Roger gave her a glass and silver flower-basket.

"I gave each of you girls exactly the same thing," he said, "because I
didn't want you scrapping over me. Mrs. Kenerley, I included you, too,
if you will accept one of them."

They were beautiful ornaments, and the four together were so effective
that Adele declared she should use them that night for a dinner table
decoration at their Christmas feast.

Hal Ferris gave each of the girls a beautiful book, and everybody had
so many presents of all sorts that it was almost impossible to
remember who gave anything.

"What I need is a card catalogue," said Patty. "I never can remember
which is which, I know."

"And I know another thing," said Adele. "If you girls don't scamper
off and dress, you won't be ready for dinner at eight o'clock. And
there are lots of guests coming. And more this evening for the country
dance. Now, disperse, all of you, and put on your prettiest frocks for
Christmas Eve."

Pa