What is the use? Haven't I almost
everything already, and am I not the happiest girl in the world
this year, with Uncle Jack and Donald at home? Now, Papa, you
know very well it is more blessed to give than to receive; then
why won't you let me do it? You never look half as happy when
you are getting your presents as when you are giving us ours.
Now, Papa, submit, or I shall have to be very firm and
disagreeable with you!"
"Very well, your Highness, I surrender."
"That's a dear Papa! Now, what were you going to give me?
Confess!"
"A bronze figure of Santa Claus; and in the little round belly,
that shakes, when he laughs, like a bowl full of jelly, is a
wonderful clock. Oh, you would never give it up if you could see
it."
"Nonsense," laughed Carol; "as I never have to get up to
breakfast, nor go to bed, nor catch trains, I think my old clock
will do very well! Now, Mama, what were you going to give me?"
"Oh, I hadn't decided. A few more books, and a gold thimble, and
a smelling-bottle, and a music-box."
"Poor Carol," laughed the child, merrily, "she can afford to give
up these lovely things, for there will still be left Uncle Jack,
and Donald, and Paul, and Hugh, and Uncle Rob, and Aunt Elsie,
and a dozen other people.
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